X and Z’s Generational chasm affecting parenting

X and Z’s Generational chasm affecting parenting

CHAPTER I.

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The existence of the terms “Gen X” and “Gen Z” is used to differentiate the two generations born on different time frames. Generation X or also known as Gen X, is used to refer to people who were born in the 1960s and 1980s. This group is known for being independent and adaptable, and for coming of age during a time of rapid technological and cultural change.

Meanwhile, Generation Z or Gen Z is used to refer to people who were born in the 1990s and early 2000s. This group is fortunate to have been born in the uprising and widespread access to the internet and social media, and is known for being highly connected and tech-savvy.

However, the difference between Gen X and Gen Z can create a “generational chasm” caused by the varied upbringings, constant societal change, and terms of experience, values and attitudes. Gen X grew up during a time of economic prosperity, while Gen Z has come of age during a time of economic uncertainty and political polarization. Gen X also experienced a time of rapid cultural change, while Gen Z has grown up in a more interconnected and globalized world.

These differences can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts and contradicting views on certain things such as Gen Z generally calling out the ways in social norms and standards of the previous generations, and inflicting new ways deemed toxic-free and prioritizing a safe space for every community. However, we need to realize that individuals within each generation can also have a wide range of experiences and attitudes, and that generalizations about entire generations can be oversimplifications. Each side can have valid points of belief that are considerable to this day as the ways of time indeed have changed over the years.

Are the two generational complexes complementary? Or is it absolute mayhem as we go through their chemistry and influences on both generations? Does the chasm affect one’s upbringing through the contradiction of parental guidance and personal morality and personally developed ethics?

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Generally, this study aims to know and assess if Gen X parents either fully or partially support their children in various aspects, and attempt to know if the varied upbringings arise as obstacles and conflicts between parents and their children.

Does the parenting generation support the changes and technological innovation their children are heavily involved and immersed in?

Does the difference in upbringing affect their decision in being affirmative or negative towards their children’s independent decisions?

Are the parenting ways proven efficient throughout previous generations still applicable up to date with this generation?

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this research is to grasp the differences in generations and attempt to see how it affects relationships family-wise. To rule out and present real-life responses of representations from both generations and try to unpack the cryptic answers to questions using context behind it. I also intend to enlighten the optics of this research regarding the suggestive ways of parenting in a rather healthier way. The survey conducted not only benefitting this research for observation, but to hopefully impose self-reflection in both ways. Backed by several existing studies conducted, the said “healthier ways” in parenting lead to a toxic-free relationship and strive for further maturity, mentally sound and willing to hear the thoughts of the other side.

SCOPE AND LIMITATION

This study is bound by certain limitations. This study will focus on Gen Z children specifically narrowing down to adolescents currently in highschool which are prone to struggles in identity and mental and emotional vulnerability, as well as Gen X parents that evidently pose different ways of parenting but share a goal and have common objectives. The participants will be identified as related to the other if not a voluntary participant through a purposive survey conducted digitally. Gathering data on certain preferences and personal insights of parents on which type of parenting they think is best for a generation such as this one, or rather how they have been practicing it so far.

DEFINITION OF TERMS (OPERATIONAL)

Chasm – profound difference between people, viewpoints, feelings, etc.

Distinct – recognizably different in nature from something else of a similar type.

Economic uncertainty – unstable state of economy that may potentially jeopardize relations in societal matters of great interest.

Gap – unfilled and unexplored area of research study.

Generational chasm - differences and gaps between two groups of different generations.

Globalized – develop or be developed so as to make international influence

Mayhem – chaos and disorder

Rapid technological change – fast pace of technological development

Social norms – Values, beliefs, attitudes, and/or behaviors shared by a group of people. May also determine the societal standards of living, usually the unspoken rules in society.

Widespread – broad access to a certain topic

CHAPTER II.

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This section contains readings and literature from sources such as established

studies, articles and dissertations directly related to the concepts of this research. This chapter presents a collection in relation to the research topic and assessments that are needed to solidify and conduct this study.

IMPACT OF PARENTING STYLES ON CHILD DEVELOPMENT

Parenting style is a determinant factor in child development. It affects psychological and social functioning of the children. Parenting style is largely affected by the influence of one’s own parents. Temperament, educational achievement, culture, socioeconomic status and the influence of their spouse affects parenting style as well. Temperament of the parent and the child affects style of parenting, and the mother and father may differ in style as well (Belsky, 2005). Therefore the article deals with different parenting styles that parents use for raising their children. The root cause of the majority of the mental health problems that arise in adolescence are related to parenting styles. Most parents use a variety of styles depending upon their culture and societal demands. Parenting style needs to change according to the changes taking place in a society. Good parenting is parenting that prepares children to meet the demands of the specific culture or subculture in which they live. We can nonetheless draw some conclusions about the ingredients of good parenting that will apply in most settings. We can go far in understanding which parenting styles are effective to prepare the children to meet the society. Darling and Steinberg (1993) defined parenting style as the overall climate of parent-child interactions. It is an affective context of sorts that sets the tone for the parent’s interactions with the child. Parenting style is a determinant factor in child development. It affects psychological and social functioning of the children. Parenting style is largely affected by the influence of one’s own parents. Temperament, educational achievement, culture, socioeconomic status and the influence of their spouse affects parenting style as well. Temperament of the parent and the child affects style of parenting, and the mother and father may differ in style as well (Belsky, 2005).

ISSUES IN PARENTING STYLE

The incompatibility of the parenting role with the working role is but one source of frustration for fathers and mothers trying to raise their children. At least five reasons of frustration, which is associated to parenting, might be identified (Lamanna and Riedmann, 1988):

1) Parenting today requires one to learn attitudes and techniques that are different from those of one’s parents.

2) Parents today rear their children in a pluralist society, characterized by diverse and conflicting values; Parents are only one of several influences on children. Others are schools, peers, television, movies, music, books and travel.

3) Parents feel anxious and guilty about their performance.

4) Changing goal from one best technique to another.

5) Society does not offer parents much psychological or social support.

GENERATIONS OF THE DIGITAL AGE

Jonas-Dwyer & Pospisil (2004, p. 194) summarize key trends of the 1990s and 2000s that influenced Millennials, such as “a focus on children and the family; scheduled structured lives; multiculturalism; terrorism; heroism; patriotism; parent advocacy and globalism”. Shatto & Erwin (2017) add that the Millennials and Gen Z possess characteristics that are unique to growing up in the Digital Age. Information is shared and streamed in real time, with civil uprisings being organized via social media. On the other hand, non-traditional families and exposure to different cultural perspectives makes Gen Z more accepting and open-minded of differences, leading to the most diverse generation (Shatto & Erwin, 2016, 2017). Dorsey (TEDx Talks, 2015) stated that they are so accustomed to diversity, that they don’t take note of diversity unless it is absent.

INFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGY

According to Shatto and Erwin (2017), Millennials were the first generation to have computers in their schools and, together with Gen Z, are characterized by a propensity to multitask. Both generations also seem engaged when given the autonomy and freedom in their use of digital technologies. Nicholas (2008) stated that Millennials prefer a blend of collaboration, interdependence, and networking; their technology, like instant messaging and chat rooms, brings them together. The Baby Boomers specifically struggle with quickly changing technology, and this, “coupled with differences in work habits and learning styles, can cause conflict between members of older and younger generations” (Shatto & Erwin, 2017, p. 25). While Gen X students tended to cynicism but were less apt to use critical thinking, Gen Y students’ use of technology caused disruption during learning experiences in class (Robey-Graham, 2008)

PARENTING

In a large study of 8.44 million adolescents in seven nationally representative surveys, it was found that the developmental pathway of adolescence had slowed, with childhood lasting longer and young people taking on adult responsibilities later in life (Twenge & Park, 2017). Lolarga (2016) provided an interesting viewpoint on Gen Z as likely to grow into adulthood much earlier than Gen Y, as they are being raised by more pragmatic Gen X parents who encourage their Gen Z children to be more independent. These parenting styles have had an influence on these students’ teaching preferences. Valdeavilla (2017) proposed that 42% of Gen Z children will follow their parents’ example as compared to the 36% of Gen Y children.

CHAPTER III.

METHODOLOGY

RESEARCH DESIGN

This research will use qualitative research to evaluate and assess both sides of participants’ knowledge, personal views and experience regarding the complexities and chemistry of parental relationships.

RESEARCH PARTICIPANT

The participants of this study will be 5 representatives from Generation X and 7 participants from Generation Z. The researcher used purposive sampling to identify the participants in this study.

RESEARCH INSTRUMENT

The study will be using distributive survey Qualitative Research to answer the research questions. The researchers ensure the privacy of the participants by providing

incognito to also prove the validity of the study.

GENERAL PROCEDURE OF DATA GATHERING

Digital survey forms were created with the exact number of two, one for each generation the participants in the survey conducted belong to. One for gen X parents, the other for gen Z children. Each survey question included is related to the other type of survey. That way, we reach the very purpose of this research. The links for the survey form are distributed by the researcher through a social media platform friendly of access for both generations. The results of the survey will be stated in a narrative report. Each survey has a total of 10 questions that I suppose are sufficient enough to provide a satisfactory observation of the chasm, and effects of the matter to both generations leading to a solid conclusion analysis.

CHAPTER IV

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Starting off with the gen X parents’ survey with a total of 5 responses,-----

1. Has parenting gen z children posed a difference in contrast to how you were raised by your parents? 100 percent responded yes.

2. In facing challenges in parenting gen z, can you say you addressed the issues and responded well? 60 percent responded yes, 20 percent says no, and 20 percent responded that they can’t possibly tell.

3. Do you support your Gen Z child's use of technology and social media? 80 percent responded with the right amount of discipline, and 20 percent responded yes.

4. Do you encourage your Gen Z child to be independent and responsible? 100 percent responded yes.

5. Do you teach your Gen Z child about important social and political issues? 80 percent responded yes, and 20 percent responded no.

6. Do you balance your own personal and professional responsibilities with your responsibilities as a parent to a Gen Z child? 100 percent responded yes.

7. Do you communicate and connect with your Gen Z child and stay up-to-date on their interests and concerns? 100 percent responded yes.

8. Do you support your Gen Z child's educational and career goals? 100 percent responded yes.

9. How do you encourage your Gen Z child to be physically and mentally healthy? The answers are the following:

• Letting them involved in sports and other social Intervention activity

• Letting them do some household chores that could possibly be a form of exercise for them.. engaging them in talks that would let them relate their views on various issues that concerns them.

• encouraging them to pursue their passion as a hobby or possibly a career.

10. Did you inherit your parenting style from your parents? Or is it based on how you believe it should be done? 60 percent responded the latter, and 40 percent responded the former.

The following are the results for the gen Z children survey which gathered 7 responses. —--

1. Do you feel your relationship with your parents differs from the relationships your peers have with their parents? 100 percent responded yes.

2. Do you feel your parents are able to understand and relate to your experiences and perspectives? 85.7 percent responded no, and 14.3 responded yes.

3. Do your parents support your goals and aspirations? 100 percent responded yes.

4. Do you feel that your parents have different expectations or values compared to your peers' parents? 71.4 percent responded yes, 28.6 responded no.

5. Do you and your parents communicate and resolve conflicts? 57.1 responded no, 42.9 responded yes.

6. Do you feel that your parents are open to hearing your opinions and allowing you to have a voice in decision-making processes within your family? 57.1 percent responded no, and 42.9 responded yes.

7. Do you feel that your parents are able to keep up with technology and social media, or do you feel that there are gaps in their understanding of these areas? 71.4 percent responded yes, 28.6 percent responded no.

8. Do you feel your parents' age and generation affect their parenting style and approach to raising you? 71.4 percent responded yes, 28.6 percent responded no.

9. Do you and your parents navigate cultural differences or misunderstandings that may arise due to your parents being from a different generation? 71.4 percent responded no, 28.6 responded yes.

10. Generally, do you feel the difference in perspectives, mindset, moral and values between you and your parents? Or do you entrust your moral compass to them? 85.7 percent responded the former, 14.3 responded the latter

DISCUSSION

Based on the product data which is leaning more towards positive results, the next generation and this one has a relatively bright future ahead. It appears that the theoretical knowledge of how one is raised affects their parenting styles and the upbringing of their children. And in an attempt to respond to the stated problems and research gap, the researcher will now discuss the statistical results of the survey form.

The answers to whether or not parents support their children diving into technology and a highly digitalized world is affirmative. They fully encourage the competencies and demands of the new age in which they belong as well. Parenting today requires one to learn attitudes and techniques that are different from those of one’s parents, (Lamanna and Riedmann, 1988). Most definitely, the chasm does exist and is very evident in contrasting behaviors and outcome of personalities of the current fusion of generations. Gen X parents claim to fully support their children in ways they feel their children need, and communicate effectively and properly with navigating their emotions and perspectives. However, when asked if Gen Z children feel that their parents are able to understand and relate to their experiences and perspectives, the majority responded no. They (Gen Z) seem to disagree with the argument that their parents communicate properly and resolve conflicts that they voice out. The image being painted for Gen X parents from the result of this survey almost seems ignorant, meanwhile they claim to have done their best in parenting in ways they know how. It is most probably caused by the chasm that this contrast in results and not meeting halfway in agreement is occurring between the two sides. The theory that Gen Z requires a different level of understanding to grasp and properly handle is partially being proven to be true in this study. The outcome indicates the lack of comprehension of Gen X parents that is keeping them from aiding their children in accurately appropriate ways to being a parent of Gen Z children. Both sides are valid and non debatable since the survey result is concise and we cannot argue with generalized opinions. To address the final question of the research problem, yes, the proven to be efficient ways in parenting are still somehow effective up to date, although modifications and improvement in empathy and understanding both sides take up alot of energy to fulfill.

CHAPTER V

CONCLUSION

Society frequently presumes that parenting occurs naturally and that parents inherently know how to handle matters such as nurturing, toilet training, esteem-building, and other issues. This perception is constantly evolving. Parents today tend to be more willing to admit that they don't always know the right approach to raise their kids or that they might not want to do it the way they did. Societal adjustments made relying on parenting methods from the past more challenging. The adolescents of Gen Z are facing issues their parents would have never anticipated. These include psychological issues caused by the rapid pace of life and rooted down to deficiency of proper guidance from in-all-aspects-stable adults they could treat as their pillars, childhood trauma, etc. However, despite all the grievances they possess, this generation is treated as the strongest amongst all that has passed yet. In terms of will, strength and voice. In conclusion, in fuel of this generation’s potential, parents should be more aware of the variation of parenting styles and how each affects a child. The pillars of adolescents of this society should pay more attention to educating parents and further stress the importance of parenting styles in support of mental health professionals, counselors, and care for the wellbeing of this generation and reinvent/restore the relationships that are one-sidedly ill.

References

1 Joseph M. V., John J. (2008). Impact of parenting styles on child development. Global Academic Society Journal: Social Science Insight, Vol. 1, No. 5, pp. 16-25. ISSN 2029-0365

http://scholararticles.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/5_16_25p_Joseph_John.pdf

2 Swanzen, R. (2018). FACING THE GENERATION CHASM: THE PARENTING AND TEACHING OF GENERATIONS Y AND Z. International Journal of Child, Youth and Family Studies, 9(2), 125-150.

https://doi.org/10.18357/ijcyfs92201818216