Generation gap

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A generation gap is a popular term used to describe big differences between people of a younger generation and their elders. This can be defined as occurring "when older and younger people do not understand each other because of their different experiences, opinions, habits and behavior."^[1] The term first came into prominence in Western countries during the 1960s, and described the cultural differences between the Baby Boomers and their parents. Although some generational differences have existed throughout history, during this era differences between the two generations grew significantly in comparison to previous times, particularly with respect to such matters as musical tastes, fashion, drug use,culture and politics. This may have been magnified by the unprecedented size of the young Baby Boomer generation, which gave it unprecedented power, influence, and willingness to rebel against societal norms.

1 1920s
2 1950s
3 1980s
4 Cultural effects
5 See also
6 References
7 Links

[edit] 1920s

During what was known as the 'Roaring Twenties' a large generation gap occurred due to the older generation having just fought in the war finding it inappropriate that the younger were out at dance halls and listening to jazz music.

[edit] 1950s

If you were a teenager prior to World War II, you were expected to take life seriously. Young males were expected to join the military and/or go out and get a job in order to help bring in money for their family. Young females were taught how to take care of the household and prepare themselves to be a dutiful wife and take care of children. Also, teenagers in the late 1930's had very little economic freedom, independence, and input into decision.

In the 1950's this changed. The United States emerged from the War the most powerful and affluent nation in the world. The economy picked up and teenagers began experiencing a great deal of economic freedom and independence. The "American Dream" was born, but at the same time there was a fear of losing America's prosperity and security. The focus for much of the fear over what America was becoming was youth - it was an adult obsession and shared assumption that young people lacked the discipline and get-up-and-go that had made America great.

As the 40's ended and the 50's emerged, marked differences between teenagers and parents began to emerge. From a transformation of the dating system (going steady and early marriage become the norm as opposed to the "rating and dating" trend that was fashionable before the war), to the new medium of television gaining widespread popularity and often portraying teenagers as juvenile delinquents. 'JD's' followed the standard black leather and denim jeans look set by Marlon Brando in 1953 film, The Wild One. The widespread adoption of rock and roll also helped foster differences between parents and teenagers. Rock was loud, rhythmic, and full of energy. Adults didn't get it and even FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover called the new music "a corrupting influence".^[2] Holden Caulfield, the hero of J. D. Salinger's 1951 novel The Catcher in the Rye, was a literary embodiment of teenage angst and alienation further fueling adults perception of teens as rebels.

[edit] 1980s

When heavy metal gained mainstream popularity in the 1980's, music became a touchpoint for the Generation gap between the parents, who were often teenagers in the 50's, and the younger generation. The 1980's saw Tipper Gore, wife of Democratic Presidential nominee Al Gore, launch a crusade against raunchy and violent rock lyrics, and heavy metal was one of her main targets.