The Dangers of Generationalism: Part One

“What’s wrong with this generation? This younger generation is so entitled—everything is about them.” Then there’s this comment from a younger generation student the older generation: “The older generation has nothing to offer my generation. They are so out of touch. We have so much more knowledge than them. It’s time for them to move out of the way.” 

Fortunately, neither of these extreme comments represents an accurate picture about or feelings of all people in these generations. Unfortunately, they do represent a common attitude among a lot of people about the differences between generations. There are more than a few credible voices who have warned about the dangers of pigeon-holing and stereotyping the various generations—what is generally referred to as ‘generationalism’. The real danger of this kind of stereotyping is what sociologist Robert Merton calls a “self-fulfilling prophecy”. The fact that the mid-20^th century pioneered the practice of labeling generations speaks to the sad reality that we have become more focused on what makes us different than what we share in common.

For most of human history there wasn’t this huge generational gulf from one generation to another. The generations shared much in common, so much so that to speak of the “generations” was simply to refer to all those currently alive. Familial structures functioned within the confines of households where the “clan” or “tribe” did life together and shared common values and traditions. There were few enticements to pull young generations away from these familial structures to pursue other “dreams” and interests outside the family enterprise. 

l’dor v’dor

Author and President of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, Yael Eckstein, speaks of an attitude that still prevails in many Jewish families today in which the Hebrew term l’dor v’dor describes their perspective on inter-generational commonality. It literally means “from generation to generation”. The Jewish culture understands that life does not function apart from all generations working together, learning from one another and training the next generation to embrace long held traditions and rituals that “reinforce the fundamental values of hope, gratitude, generosity, courage, faith and forgiveness”. ^[1]

But for many western cultures, l’dor v’dor is not how things typically work. Each generation has defined itself as distinct and disconnected from the previous generation or generations. My generation (#mygeneration) is what matters most. Contemporary research does suggest that it is often the youngest generations most eager to set themselves apart and to even suggest that the past has little to do with the present. 

Dr. Richard Gunderman writing in a 2016 article about generational prejudice that is even more descriptive of today. He suggests that “generationalism bears many similarities to other forms of discrimination, and its effects are no less pernicious. It stigmatizes a whole group of people simply by an accident of birth.”^[2]  By labeling each other (Boomers, Millenials, Gen Xers, Gen Zers, etc.) we lose sight of the amazing qualities and giftedness of each generation and what they bring to the other. I believe this labeling attitude is a curse often spawned and propagated by educators, entertainment and the media. Perhaps no platform has fueled this discriminatory generalization myth more than social media.

So, how do we correct tragic ways we label and segregate one another? First of all, we need to recognize that this is a heart issue—the consequence of a sinful nature present in every human being since the Fall. It cannot be corrected by legislation or education. Gunderman suggests that part of the solution is to get to know one another “as distinctive human beings who, given the opportunity, can likely defy our expectations.” And I agree this is a powerful means to lessen the discriminatory attitudes. 

We found this to be true in an experiment we conducted several years ago that I will discuss more in Part Two. I can tell you that generational stereotypes and attitudes were exposed and significantly changed in this short-term experiment. So, there is value in this kind of exchange, even in a limited context. However, we all did share something in common—our faith and belief that God made us all in His image.

Practical Solutions?

Still Dr. Gunderman and others who take similar positions without any biblical context do have a point. Sadly, they offer no practical way for that to happen in a world filled with sinful human beings. A problem has been identified which we all know exists, but a plea to “get to know one another” (whatever that means) is little more than a vague attempt at behavior modification.

The reality is that there are a great number of differences between the various generations today that are markedly distinct. These are distinctions that did not exist to the same degree when families lived together and did life together. The invasion of secular humanism has perpetuated this dangerous bigotry, not only between generations, but between races, ethnic groups, nationalities and gender. So, is there a solution to all of this, and what is it?

I believe there is, and that is what I want to address in my next post.

^[1] Generation to Generation: Passing on a Legacy of Faith to Our Children by Yale Eckstein; International Fellowship of Christian and Jews; 2020

^[2] The Dangers of Generational Prejudice; Dr. Richard Gunderman; World Economic Forum, Oct. 24, 2014