Adolescent Behaviour and Issues of Generation Gap

Abstract

When applied to humans, the term generation indicates a certain segment of the population as distinguishable from certain other segments at any given time. It denotes a discontinuity between one segment and another. The discontinuity is about their values, beliefs, ideology, outlook, and worldview. The effect of it in a combine usually contributes to a gap between generations. Such dissimilarity in thinking and behavior felt through age differences is usually referred to as the generation gap. Broadly speaking youngsters constitute one generation while parents constitute another generation, and those of their parents form another generation. Changes in the material and social environment caused due to advancements in science and technology, corresponding changes in living conditions, educational advancement, institutional reforms, political structures, changing laws and practices, etc. contribute to this differential thinking and perception leading to a gap between generations. The generation gap is an intellectual, social, and psychological divide between young and old populations over time. Adolescence is a stage in life characterized by developmental changes where young people are slowly empowered to take on an adult life. This age represents a crisis period in life caught between dependence and independence in varying degrees. The age is also characterized by a tendency to revolt and search for new ideas. The generation gap is most noticeable to evolve at this point. It is universal. It exists in all cultures and societies. It has implications in the study of change. This attempt is intended to explore the behavior of the emerging generation in their adolescence and to examine how it contributes to building a generation gap.