Sociological Cultural Studies

Sociological Cultural Studies

Interpreting and Dealing with Generation Gap in The Family by Adolescents

Document Type : .

Authors
Hossein Afrasiabi 1
Fatemeh Adelkhah 2
1 Department of sociology, Faculty of Social sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran.
2 Department of sociology, faculty of social sciences, Yazd university, Yazd, Iran.
10.30465/scs.2024.47959.2833
Abstract
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to understand the perspective and how teenage girls dealing with the generation gap. The current research is a qualitative study that was conducted in Yazd city. 29 teenage girls aged 13 to 17 participated in in-depth interviews and focus group. The data was analyzed with a constructive grounded theory approach. The seven main categories emerging from the data are comparative self-improvement, social worries, adaptation and personal improvement, resistance and escape, sexual restriction, family disorder, value reflexivity. Distinctive self-construction was also considered as core category. Adolescents experience suffering mixed with growth when faced with generational difference, and in fact, we witness two distinct ways of facing generational difference, one leads to personal growth or adaptation in the family environment, and the other leads to resistance. Adolescents who experience personal growth often acquire new skills to cope with their parents' differences. Living in the context of the media makes teenagers compare themselves with their peers at the global level.
Keywords: Generation gap, Generation, Adolescents, Values, Family

Introduction
Generational differences and their associated challenges in contemporary society, particularly within families, have attracted significant attention from researchers and sociologists. A generation, as a social cohort sharing common experiences, exerts a profound influence on the beliefs, values, and attitudes of its members. Over time, rapid social, cultural, and technological changes have accentuated these generational disparities. These differences, commonly referred to as the generation gap, can lead to intergenerational tensions and misunderstandings. In Iran, as in many other societies, the generational gap is particularly pronounced between adolescents and their parents. This study aims to delve deeper into the experiences of Iranian adolescent girls in navigating these generational gaps By exploring how these young women perceive and interpret the differences between themselves and their parents. this research seeks to contribute to a better understanding of the challenges faced by adolescents as they negotiate these generational boundaries. The significance of this research lies in its potential to provide valuable insights into the experiences and challenges faced by adolescent girls as they navigate the complexities of generational gaps.

Materials & Methods
This qualitative, interpretive study aims to gain a deep and meaningful understanding of the experience of the generational gap among Iranian adolescent girls. The grounded theory approach, as conceptualized by Charmaz, has been employed, wherein concepts and theories are directly extracted from the data, and the researcher does not seek to confirm pre-existing hypotheses. Participants (13-17-year-old girls) were purposively selected based on specific characteristics such as age, gender, family background, and socioeconomic status to ensure a diverse range of perspectives on the research topic. Theoretical sampling was also employed to further enhance the richness of the data. Two methods were used to collect data:Semi-structured interviews: These interviews were conducted based on a general framework, but the researcher was also able to adapt their questions based on the participants' responses and Focus groups. Participants were grouped together to discuss the research topic, allowing for the exploration of group dynamics and shared perspectives. Data analysis was conducted using a grounded theory approach, which involved the following steps: Open coding: Raw data was examined line-by-line to identify initial concepts. Axial coding: Identified concepts were categorized, and relationships between them were explored. Selective coding: A core category or overarching theme was developed to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the phenomenon. Theoretical saturation: Data collection continued until no new categories or properties emerged.

Discussion & Result
The data analysis revealed that encountering generational differences among adolescents is associated with a complex interplay of challenges and growth. Adolescents engaged in identity formation by comparing themselves to their peers, often leading to a heightened sense of individualism that can conflict with parental expectations. Female adolescents reported experiencing more parental and societal control, resulting in heightened social anxiety and reduced social participation. These adolescents demonstrated a tendency to re-evaluate values, lifestyles, fashion choices, music preferences, and leisure activities. Family dysfunction was found to exacerbate generational gaps and intensify adolescent distress. A total of 85 concepts were extracted from the data, which were subsequently categorized into seven core categories. The seven core categories that emerged from the data analysis were: comparative self-improvement, social worries, adaptation and personal improvement, resistance and escape, sexual restriction, family disorder, value reflexivity. Distinctive self-construction was also considered as core category.

Conclusion
This study identified two primary coping mechanisms among adolescents facing generational gaps: growth-oriented adaptation and resistance-based avoidance. In the growth-oriented approach, adolescents develop new skills while navigating differences with their parents, whether motivated by financial gain, seeking escape from conflict, or achieving a mutually agreeable understanding through constructive dialogue. However, adaptation can also manifest as passive compliance to maintain parental respect, indicating a degree of resignation. This coping strategy often results in the development of improved communication, artistic, and social skills.
Conversely, some adolescents struggle to adapt and engage in conflict with their parents, leading to self-harm, loneliness, and depression. This pattern is particularly prevalent in dysfunctional families characterized by divorce, parental addiction, or remarriage.Leveraging the widespread influence of media, adolescents construct distinct identities by comparing themselves to peers both domestically and internationally through social media. This process fosters a global perspective and enables adolescents to break free from the constraints of their immediate environment, developing unique styles and values. As a result, they become less reliant on social judgment and prioritize individualism. However, the societal context remains traditional, with parents, particularly in the case of daughters, exerting control to avoid social stigma and reinforce patriarchal norms. This parental control hinders the development of adolescents' social interaction skills.Nevertheless, a significant finding of this study is the potential of generational gaps to facilitate the development of a distinct and mature identity in adolescents.
Keywords
Generation gap
Generation
Adolescents
Values
Family
Subjects
احمدی، حبیب، ایمان، محمد تقی، طبیعی، منصور و زنگنه، محمد. (1402). بررسی تبیینی متوالی شکاف ارزش های فرهنگی بین مادران و دختران. جامعه شناسی آموزش و پرورش، 9(1)، 99-112.
ارجمندی، حسین، حسن پور، محسن، ارجمندسیاهپوش اسحق و ارجمندسیاهپوش، بهاره. (1392). شکاف نسلی و عوامل اجتماعی و فرهنگی موثر بر آن در بین دانشجویان دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی واحد اندیمشک. جامعه شناسی مطالعات جوانان، 4(11)، 29-48.
اعتمادی‌فرد، سید مهدی و حسین‌زاده، حسام. (1400). نگرش به بدن: تفاوت یا تعارض نسلی (مطالعۀ نگرش نسلی بدن‌مندی نوجوانان در شهر تهران). مطالعات و تحقیقات اجتماعی در ایران، 10(2)، 471-497.
افلاکی‌فرد، حسین، میرشاجعفری، سید ابراهیم، سعادتمند، زهره و کشتی آرای، نرگس. (1392). شکاف نسلی و انتزاع ابعاد تربیت بین نسلی در قلمرو برنامه درسی: یک مطالعه کیفی. رهیافتی نو در مدیریت آموزشی، 15(4)، 217-247.
امیر مظاهری، امیر مسعود و منجزی پور، زینب. (1395). عوامل اجتماعی موثر بر شکاف بین نسلی (مطالعه موردی والدین و جوانان هجده تا بیست و چهار (18 تا 24) ساله شهر دزفول). تغییرات اجتماعی - فرهنگی، 13(1)، 1-16.
بختیاری، آمنه و نصیری، بهاره. (1397). تأثیر آموزش های نرم افزارهای هوشمند موبایلی (تلگرام و اینستاگرام) در ایجاد شکاف نسلی دختران با مادرانشان در نظام آموزش عالی ایران. پژوهش در نظام های آموزشی، 12(ویژه‌نامه)، 951-967.
پرچمی، داود و درخشان، فاطمه. (1400). بررسی شکاف اجتماعی و عوامل موثر بر آن؛ مورد مطالعه: شهر تهران. جامعه شناسی کاربردی، 32(3), 1-26.
ترکی، ‌روح‌اله و احمدی‌شکوه، علی. (1397). شکاف نسلی و عوامل تأثیرگذار در میان دانش‌آموزان آموزشگاه‌های زبان انگلیسی؛ منطقه جنوب شرق تهران. پژوهش ملل، 34(3)، 105-118.
جان علی زاده چوب بستی، حیدر، و سلیمانی بشلی، محمدرضا. (1390). شکاف نسلی: توهم یا واقعیت؟. جامعه شناسی مطالعات جوانان، 1(1)، 63-99.
جمشیدی ها، غلامرضا، و خالق پناه، کمال. (1388). دگرگونی نسلی و هویت اجتماعی در کردستان: مطالعه جوانان شهر سقز. پژوهش جوانان، فرهنگ و جامعه، -(3)، 53-81.
حبیبی، فاطمه، اکوانی، حمداله، نیکفر، جاسب و باقری دولت آبادی، علی. (1402). تبیین و ارزیابی مولفه های شکاف نسلی در تعامل با شبکه های اجتماعی مجازی با تأکید بر مولفه سیاسی(مورد مطالعه: شهروندان شهر تهران). مطالعات بین‌ رشته‌ای دانش راهبردی، 13(51)، 115-191.
حیدرآبادی، ابوالقاسم، رمضانپور، امین، مجتبوی، سیده سمیه و فیروزمند، مجید. (1394). بررسی پدیده شکاف نسلی و عوامل اجتماعی مؤثَر بر آن در بین والدین و دانشجویان (مطالعه موردی دانشجویان دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی واحد بابل). تغییرات اجتماعی - فرهنگی، 12(2)، 43-66.
دانش، پروانه، ذاکری نصرآبادی، زهرا و عبداللهی، عظیمه سادات. (1393). تحلیل جامعه‌شناختی شکاف نسلی در ایران. جامعه‌پژوهی فرهنگی، 5(3)، 1-30.
راغفر، حسین، و باباپور، میترا. (1393). تجزیه و تحلیل رفتار بین نسلی هزینه مصرفی خانوارهای شهری با استفاده از داده های شبه تابلویی. مطالعات اقتصادی کاربردی ایران (مطالعات اقتصادی کاربردی)، 3(10)، 177-199.
ربانی، علی، و محمدزاده یزد، عاطفه. (1391). بررسی کیفی شکاف نسلی ارزشی بین مادران و دختران در مشهد با تاکید بر ارزش های دینی. جامعه شناسی کاربردی (مجله پژوهشی علوم انسانی دانشگاه اصفهان)، 23(2 (پیاپی 46))، 65-88.
رهبر، ‌عباسعلی، خرمشاد، ‌محمدباقر، آدمی، علی و والی، علی. (1399). تبیین تفاوت نسلی در جامعه امروز ایران بر پایه ی ارزش های هویتی. مطالعات ملی، 81(21)، 47-66.
ساروخانی، باقر و صداقتی فرد، مجتبی. (1388). شکاف نسلی در خانواده ایرانی؛ دیدگاه ها و بینش ها. پژوهش نامه علوم اجتماعی، 3(4)، 7-31.
سهراب زاده، مهران، پرنیان، لیلا، نیازی، محسن، خواجه نوری، بیژن و صادقی ده چشمه، ستار. (1398). مطالعه‌ی کیفی تجربه شکاف نسلی (نمونه مورد مطالعه: دختران شهر کرمانشاه). فصلنامه زن و جامعه، 10(37)، 1-28.
عباسی اسفجیر، علی اصغر وسام، شیما و امیریان، ریحانه. (1392). شکاف نسلی در ارزشها: بررسی مقایسه‌ی جوانان و سالمندان. تغییرات اجتماعی-فرهنگی، 10(3).
قره یاضی، هایده، تاج الدین، محمد باقر و شکربیگی، عالیه. (1402). تجربۀ زیستۀ نسلی در پرتو تحولات فرهنگی مورد مطالعه: مقایسه نسل های دهه 40 و 70 منطقه 14 تهران. مطالعات راهبردی زنان، 25.(97)
کفاشی، مجید. (1394). عوامل اجتماعی و فرهنگی موثر بر شکاف نسلی جوانان شهر تهران. زن و جامعه، 21(6)، 67-86.
مستخدمین‌حسینی، ‌حمید، سوادیان، ‌پروین وکریمیان، ‌حبیب‌الله. (1401). شکاف نسلی و تجربۀ زیستۀ والدین سمنانی از فضای مجازی. پژوهش های انتظامی - اجتماعی زنان و خانواده، 18(10)، 2-28.
معیدفر، سعید. (1383). شکاف نسلی یا گسست فرهنگی:(بررسی شکاف نسلی در ایران). نامه علوم اجتماعی، 24، 55-80.
مهری، بهار و رحمانی، سحر. (1391). بررسی شکاف نسلی به لحاظ وضعیت دینداری دو نسل دهه 50 و 70 (با تاکید به بعد مناسکی). مجله مطالعات جامعه شناختی جوانان، 3(6)، 9-36.
Abu Aleon, Turky, Weinstock, Michael, Manago, Adriana M, & Greenfield, Patricia M. (2019). Social change and intergenerational value differences in a Bedouin community in Israel. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 50(5), 708-727.
Al-Lawati, Suad. (2019). Understanding the psychology of youths: Generation gap. International Journal of Psychology and Counselling, 11(6), 46-58.
Etezady, Ali, Shaw, F Atiyya, Mokhtarian, Patricia L, & Circella, Giovanni. (2021). What drives the gap? Applying the Blinder–Oaxaca decomposition method to examine generational differences in transportation-related attitudes. Transportation, 48, 857-883.
Howe, Neil, & Strauss, William. (1992). The new generation gap. ATLANTIC-BOSTON.
Kravčenko, Karina, & Jarasiunaite-Fedosejeva, Gabija. (2022).Generational attitudes towards homosexuality across Europe: Why individual and country-related factors matter?. Global journal of sociology, 12(1), 12-30.
Mannheim, Karl. (1998). The sociological problem of generations. In Essays on the sociology of knowledge (pp. 163-196). Taylor  Francis Books UK.
Perveen, Kausar, Usman, Naila &  Aftab, Rabia. (2013). Interaction pattern and generation gap between offspring and parents. Interdisciplinary Journal of Contemporary Research in Business, 5(1).
Popescu, Alexandra. (2019). The brief history of generation–defining the concept of generation. An analysis of literature review. Journal of Comparative Research in Anthropology and Sociology, 10(02), 15-30.
Rahim, Muhammad, & Tareen, Muhammad Alam. (2022). Social Change and its effects on Generation Gap in the Pashtun Society of Balochistan. International Research Journal of Management and Social Sciences, 3(2), 111-124.
Strauss, William, Howe, Neil. (1991). Generations : the history of America's future, 1584-2069. New York: Morrow..
Strauss William, & Howe, Neil. (1997). The Fourth Turning: What the Cycles of History Tell Us About America's Next Rendezvous with Destiny: Crown.
Twenge, Jean M. (2013). The evidence for generation me and against generation we. Emerging Adulthood, 1(1), 11-16.
Twenge, Jean M. (2017). Have smartphones destroyed a generation. The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/09/has-the-smartphone-destroyed-a-generation/534198/
van Twist, Amanda van Eck Duymaer, & Newcombe, Suzanne. (2021). Strauss-Howe generational theory. URL: https://www. cdamm. org/articles/strauss-howe (accessed: 19.11. 2022).
Sociological Cultural Studies
Volume 16, Issue 3 - Serial Number 57
Autumn 2025
Summer 2025
Pages 1-32

  • Receive Date 21 February 2024
  • Revise Date 03 October 2024
  • Accept Date 02 November 2024
  • Publish Date 22 November 2025