A Brighter Future: Global Youth SpeakOut
By Gayle Kimball, Ph.D.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1: Globalization and Youth Culture
Chapter 2: Generation Y: Characteristics of the Millennial Generation
Chapter 3: Regional Differences
Chapter 4: Increasing Awareness of Equality Issues
Chapter 5: Growing Gap Between Rich and Poor
Chapter 6: Gender Equality vs. Sexism
Chapter 7: Education is Low Priority
Chapter 8: Threats to the Environment vs. Activism
Chapter 9: Materialism vs. Spirituality
Chapter 10: Stress vs. Happiness
Appendices
Comments on: "Preview & Add to Draft of Book on Global Youth Viewpoints" (6)
I’m curious to know how this generation relates to older generations and experiences a broader sense of community, if at all. Do they participate in cultural practices that promulgate unity and community? Do they see these as important or valuable? To what extent do they see their elders as bearers of useful information? I’m interested in a regional / cultural comparison of the gender gap.
A typo–of course I meant, Generation Gap above.
My observations re. the East from an American teacher in an international school in Shanghai:
As yet, respect and following tradition continues to be highly valued. This is particularly observable in education, with high performance scores (read that tests, grades) not merely hoped for, but expected.
Traditions are followed by rural and urban dwellers, alike, though meaning related to the tradition may be less obvious or known to youth today. As I cycle through relatively rural villages and sub-urban settlements on my way home from school (45-50 min ride through an area entirely rural even 6 years ago, now being encroached upon by Shanghai’s expansion of urban infrastructure), after 8 years of living here, I still observe traditional interactions, including, for example demonstrations of respect for elders, elders involved in raising of grandchildren, traditional roles, and so forth.
Re. rebellion in the West, I wonder if it is really valuing rebellion, or is it valuing independent thinking, non-conformity? Among adolescents, this often takes the appearance/form of rebellion, but I question if rebellion is actually valued—questioning authority has been valued in America and in Europe since the late 18th and early 19th century.
I think we are beginning to see change in this realm in urban areas of China, and where youth are becoming netizens. While there is still lots of restraint, there is also an opening and more expression of thought emerging.
My thoughts for the moment.
Thanks for asking!
Linda
You raise important questions. A start is in my interview with first generation Indian students, posted previously. They do value cultural practices of their parents–my impression is more so than American young people who value being different. What have you observed?
This is from a 17-year-old California girl:
Yes it is definitly cooler to be different than your parent,although it can depend on the individuals interest and if their parent has the same genuine interest.
But prior to that kids these days strive to be different in any way they can and make a name for themselves. It is considered cool to not agree with parents and rebel.
It kind of seems creepy to me for a kid to want to follow exactly in a parents shadow or footsteps. It makes me think the child isn’t strong enough to develop their own identity. Reyna
From an educator in Tanzania, Emma:
The older people are clinging on to the aspect of respect from the young
generation and this is sometimes causing trouble.
The issue of tradition is no longer relevant to the youth, they are generating
their own traditions to suit their time and this may not be so acceptable by the
older generation.
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