What Is Generation Gap?

The term generation gap is used very commonly these days as it refers to the difference that take place between the people of the younger generation and the elders.

This usually takes place when older and younger people face problem while not understanding each other due to having difference in opinions, habits, lifestyles and behavior. Some of the technological and electronic advancements are also found to be the reason that older people consider causing generation gap but this is not the scene as it does not.

Generation gap is a popular term which is used to describe wide differences in cultural norms between members of a younger generation and their elders. This happens when older and younger people do not understand each other due to different experiences, habits, opinions and behaviour.

The term first came into use in Western countries during the 1960s and it described the differences between the Baby Boomers and their parents. Musical tastes, fashion, drug use and politics were particular differences between the two generations.

In the 1920s, there was a large generation gap, due to the older generation having just fought in the war and finding it inappropriate that the younger generation were out at dancehalls and listening to jazz music.

In the 1960s, Rock music and soul music which were enjoyed by youth, were disliked among their elders. English rock band The Who sand the words 'Hope I die before I get old', further to the common catchphrase 'don't trust anyone over 30'. During this period, Baby Boomers had a strong sense of generational identity, and their influence was so significant that the entire generation was named 'Man of the Year' by Time magazine in 1966.

The generation gap describes a phenomenon in which there is vast difference between the ages of the people and usually you can find the use of this word when somebody is talking about the differences of opinion that occurs because of the difference in age and in consequence, difference in the thinking. If we take the definition that the dictionary provides us, the term describes the rift between two groups of people that are of different age group and they have their own definition of how they should lead their life.
      
Nowadays the term is loosing its relevance because even people that are older in age understand the mindset of the people who are of young age. Sometimes education also plays a big role in bridging the difference between two generations.