ABSTRACT
The study investigated generation gap challenges between adolescents and parents in Makurdi metropolis of Benue State. Four purposes, four research questions and four hypotheses guided the study. Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The study was conducted in Makurdi metropolis of Benue State. The population comprised of 95,577 households. The sample of 200 parents and adolescents was drawn from the total population using multi-stage sampling technique. Questionnaire with 32 items was used for data collection for the study. The instruments were subjected to face-validity by 5 validates, 3 from Michael Okpara University, Umudike (MOUAU) and 2 from University of Agriculture, Markurdi (UAM). The reliability of the instruments was determined using test re-test reliability method and this yielded a reliability coefficient index of 0.86. Mean and standard deviation were used in answering four research questions, while four hypotheses were tested using t-test. The findings of the study shows that six items (Choice of Clothing (Fashion), Choice of food, sports, communication among others) are generational gap between parents and adolescents; items (change in fashion trend, change in technology over the years, ineffective communication between parents and adolescence, use of social networks/media, changes in lifestyles among others) were among causes of generational gap; items (spending more time on social networks, dating through social network, indecent dressing is the order of the day, respect of family values, increase in moral decay, among others) were among challenges posed by generational gap while items (ensuring effective communication between parents and adolescent, exhibiting responsible behavior by both parents and adolescents, parents spending more time with adolescent among others were known to be ways of bridging generational gap challenges between adolescents and parents in Makurdi metropolis. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that; National Orientation agency should carry out awareness campaign geared towards sensitizing both parents and adolescents. Parents and adolescents should learn how to tolerate and accommodate each other in order to facilitate peaceful co-existence in the family. Parents and adolescents should often engage in effective communication as it will help to generational gap between them.
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
Title Page i
Declaration ii
Certification iii
Dedication iv
Acknowledgements v
List of Tables vii
Abstract x
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1.
Background
of the Study 1
1.2.
Statement
of the Problem 7
1.3.
The
Objectives of the Study 8
1.4.
Research
Questions 9
1.5.
Research
Hypothesis 9
1.6.
Significance
of the Study 10
1.7.
Scope
of the Study 11
CHAPTER 2: REVIEW OF
RELATED LITERATURE
2.0. Conceptual
Framework 13
2.1.1. Concept
of generation gap 13
2.1.2. Historical
perspective of generation gap 16
2.1.3. Factors
that influences generation gap 22
2.1.4. Distinguishing
characteristic of previous generations 23
2.1.5. Characteristics
of adolescents 28
2.1.6. The role
of parents in the life of adolescents 29
2.1.7. Role of
guardians in the life of adolescents 30
2.1.8. Causes
of generational gap between parents and adolescents 31
2.1.9. Challenges
posed by generational gap between parents and adolescents 32
2.1.10. Bridging
generational gap between parents and adolescents 34
2.2 Theoretical
Framework 35
2.2.1 Sociological theory of generational gap 36
2.2.2 Social identity theory 37
2.2.3 Generational cohort theory 39
2.2.4 Social exchange theory 40
2.3
Review of Related Empirical Studies 41
2.4 Summary of Literature Review 45
CHAPTER
3: METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research Design 47
3.2 Area of study 47
3.3 Population for the Study 48
3.4 Sample and Sampling Technique 48
3.5
Instrument for Data Collection 48
3.6 Validation of the Instrument 49
3.7 Reliability of the Instruments 50
3.8
Method of Data Collection 50
3.9 Data Analysis Techniques 50
CHAPTER
4: PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA
4.1 Research
Questions 52
4.1.1 Research
question 1: 52
4.1.2 Hypothesis 1 53
4.1.3 Research question 2: 54
4.1.4 Hypothesis 2 55
4.1.5 Research question 3: 56
4.1.6
Hypothesis 3 57
4.1.7 Research question 4: 58
4.1.8.
Hypothesis 4 59
4.2.
Summary of Major Findings from the
Study 60
4.3 Discussion of Findings 61
4.3.1. Generational gaps that exist between
adolescents and parents. 61
4.3.2.
Causes of generational gap challenges 62
4.3.3. Challenges posed by generational gap 63
4.3.4. Bridging generational gap challenges 64
CHAPTER 5:
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS
FOR FURTHER STUDIES
5.1. Summary 66
5.2. Recommendations 67
5.3. Conclusion 67
5.5. Suggestion for Further Studies 68
References 69
Appendices 75
LIST
OF TABLES
1: Mean ratings of
respondents on the generational gaps that exists
between adolescents and parents in
Makurdi Metropolis. 52
2: t-test Analysis
of the difference between the mean ratings of parents and
adolescents on generational gaps
that exists between them in Makurdi
Metropolis of Benue State. 53
3: Mean ratings of
respondents on the causes of generational gaps between
adolescents and parents in Makurdi
Metropolis of Benue State. 54
4: t-test Analysis
of the difference between the mean ratings of parents and
adolescents on causes of
generational gaps between them in Makurdi
Metropolis of Benue State 55
5: Mean ratings of
respondents on the challenges posed by generational gaps
between adolescents and parents in
Makurdi Metropolis of Benue State. 56
6: t-test Analysis
of the difference between the mean ratings of parents and
adolescents on challenges posed by
generational gaps between them in
Makurdi Metropolis of Benue State 57
7: Mean ratings of
respondents on theways of bridging generational gaps
challenges between adolescents and
parents in Makurdi Metropolis of
Benue State. 58
8: t-test Analysis
of the difference between the mean ratings of parents and
adolescents on the ways of bridging
generational gaps challenges between
them in Makurdi Metropolis of Benue State 59
CHAPTER
1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND
TO THE STUDY
Generational
gap is a significant change in the value and attitudes of one age group or
generation and another; particularly between parents and their children. Generation
gap results from the dissimilarities in age and personal perspective arising
from parents and offspring. This can occur in choice of songs or music, patterns of
food consumption, clothing, language use, technological influences and
workplace ethics. Basically, generational gap is the difference of opinions
between one generation and another regarding beliefs, politics or values.
Generation gap can be the changes in values, regimes and economic opportunities
seen between people of different age living in a society (Barker, 2013).
Generation gap is the variations in standards, morals and attitude between young
people and their parents (Joseph, 2000).
Generation
gap refers to a perceived gap, between younger people and their parents and/or
grandparents. The sociological theory regarding generation gap became prominent
in the 1960’s when the much younger generation (which were regarded as ‘Baby
Boomers’) seemed to go contrary to a whole lot of things their parents had formerly
believed in, in terms of music, standards, governmental and political opinions.
Sociologists refer to ‘generation gap as’ institutional age segregation’. (Karl,
1959 as adopted in Urwin, 2009). It was noted that difference exist across
generations on how the youth or much younger generation transits into
adulthood, they observed and analysed the ways in which generations distinct
themselves from each other, in the homes and any other social situations
or institutions (like churches, clubs, youth centres and senior centres).
According
to William (2010); generation gap is of great concern as it hastens ageism and
increase risk of isolation as people age. There are currently six generation
gaps, these include: Greatest Generation, Silent Generation, Baby Boomers,
Bomer-Xer, Generation X, and Millennial Generation (Urwin, 2009).
In
Nigeria, generation gap can be traced to pre-historical settlers living in the
Niger area as early as 11,00BC. Many ancient African civilization developed in
the region that is presently regarded as Nigeria. A significant example of the civilizations
that settled in Nigeria was the Nri Kingdom (Muye 2010).From independence in
1960 until recently, many of the leaders fell into the categories the mass media
used as examples for every generation (Yahaya, 2017). For examples, Americans
born between the period of 1901 and 1924 were formerly bubbed the ‘Greatest
Generation’; while those born between the period of 1925 and 1942 were the
‘silent generation’; while those born
between 1943’s and 1960 children
were generally regarded as the ‘baby boomer generation’. “Generation Y” or The millennia’s born
between 1989 and 2000’s who are in their 20s and 30s and categorized as
narcissistic, overambitious, entitled, lazy and Information Technology (IT)oriented;hence,
are regarded as the ‘homeland generation’. These generalizations evolved and scattered
not only in America but on every continent. For instance, in Nigeria today, generation
protest quite often of being neglected and disregarded.It is noteworthy that
majority of those that discuss on social media are the millennial. It would be
easy enough to blame society’s rage against the aging generations. It feels that
they are sitting high in their ivory towers andmajor government positions rewriting
history by refusing to give way to
the more energetic and vibrant younger generations. These many younger generations would have been carried on,
trusting they will have anopportunity to rebrand the nation and move the country forward, if
the older generation have given the way for them (Ahokegh, 2015).
Generation
gap in Nigeria experienced a lot of differences in the areas of transportation,
communication, agriculture, economic resources, dressing, music, ICT, moral
values and even religious beliefs ranging from 1960’s to the present 21st
century. For instance in the 1960’s, animals like camels, Donkeys were
predominantly used for transportation but today, technology has paved way for
the use of vehicles, aeroplane, trains which are commonly used. In the past, communication
was achieved by the use of telecommunication, postal agencies and other means,
unlike today, use of cell phones has improved the communication system of the
present generation. Agriculture was the chief source of Nigeria economy in
1960’s to 1970’s but today petroleum, information and communication technology
are the major sources of economy in the country.
There
are factors that influence generation gap which are generation size, diversity
and political influences. Generation size, is size of the generation that is,
population of a particular generation greatly affects the differences in one
generation to another. This is because the increase in population increases the rate of human interactions in
a given area. (Muye, 2017). In Nigeria, the population for instance was 45.1
million (in 1960). The use of resources was less compare to the present
population of about 200million people. On the other hand, diversity and
political influences also are factors that affect generation differences.
Organizations recently are dealing with different types of diversities in terms
of race, religions, gender and generations. Such diversities then create huge
opportunities for both conflicts and collaboration (Amir, 2012).
Organizations aiming to create a
healthier workplace environment will have to move beyond the perspective to generational “problem” to generational “opportunities” managers must promotes an open and exclusive
atmosphere where employees cannot only learn about generations but also share their thoughts without the feat of being judged. Giancolo (2006) notes that over the
past couple of years (2015-2017), economics and political turmoil have become
increasingly apparent. The Southern Europe calling for referred (that is,
Greek), the British voting for a separation from EU(Brexit), the last but not
the least, a unique presidential election in the USA, in each of these contexts
different views based on “age” were a theme, recent brexit polls reported that
millermials are voting in different direction than those of the baby boomer
generation. Regardless of political stand point, there are emerging differencebased
on chronological age, albeit perhaps filled by reporting that pitted one group
of opportunity and financial stability are concerned. Through the life course standpoint,
one can see the importance of taking historical and contextual cohort effects
into account, and considering how those influence political and economic
decisions. Political views reflect sociocultural idealswhile subjective
perceptions examines the past, present and future of the world. Yet,the conventional
and social media responds on the bitterness, betrayed and anger is an indication
that the older generation rules the younger ones;which often lead to intergenerational
conflict. In light of global political enigma, critical gerontologists need to
focus on the aging and intergenerational conflict whichcan result in the
creation of a new form of ageism that is politically prone and divisive in
naturewhich could pose a no mean threat to adolescents.
An
adolescent is a young person who maturesfrom childhood phase to adulthood; usually
(12-21 years). Adolescents go through adolescence or puberty stages bywhich
children experience tremendous transformation in terms of physique, emotion, cognition
and social integrations (Davidson and Neal, 2001). It is the period of
transition involving multi-dimensional changes, biologically, psychologically
(including cognitive) and socially. Biologically, adolescenceexperiences
pubertal modifications involving changes in brain structure and sexual appetite.Psychologically,
their mental capacities were maturing at that stage. Finally,
adolescenceexperiences social changes through school, religious organizations
and other social transition and roles they are expected to perform in their families,
community and school. The physical andpsychological changes in adolescents and
the developmental responsibilities expected fromthem often pose significant
challenges for adjustment. Basically, adolescents are faced with the
difficulties related to theirhomes, families, schools, and societies. These
problems include, sexual problems, of contraceptive, substance use, abuse,
negative influence, peer group and delinquent adolescents’ gangs. This
situation can frustrate the family arrangement.
However, family is the recognized unit that
assumes the traditional function of bearing children, raising them, regulating
their behaviour and providing for support and wellbeing. Parents have a shared
responsibility in the schedules of the home activities. Such as preparation of
food, clothing, and inculcating acceptable societal norms and values necessary
for the upbringing of children. Each child is expected to grow with peculiar
characteristics necessary for life’s experiences. Adolescents have a wide
variation of characteristics as adolescence stage is full of storm and stress, arisingbetween
the age of 12 and18 years, up till about 23 years (Santrock, 2005). Many people
especially parents and guidance described adolescents as more troubled, less
respectful, more self-centred, more assertive and more daring than in the past.
Parents in this work are regarded as caretakers of children who include,
biological parents, guidance and adopted parents. Once more, it is not a
surprise that researchers in adolescence will continue to generate interest not
only that it is a transitional phase to adulthood, but also it is a potential
group for the future. Ericksoon as reported in Gross (2005) believed that it is
human nature to pass through a genetically determined sequence of psycho-social
stages, spanning the whole life span. Each stage involves a struggle between
two conflicting personality outcomes of one which is positive (adaptive) while
the other is negative (Mal-adaptive). The family thus is in the centre of all
these changes and adaptation. Family dynamics begin to undergo important
changes when the children reach puberty. These changes are often received with
surprise and without preparation. The submissive attitude of many children
disappears and they openly confront their parents’ opinion. In some cases the
crises reaches dimensions out of the family’s control needing professional
help.According to Gross (2005), disagreement can be because:parents expect
greater independence of action from adolescents.Many parents are not willing topermit
as much autonomy as the adolescents demand and parents and adolescents have
different personal tastes and preferences.
Makurdi
metropolis is situated at the narrow end of the river Benue where the rail
bridge is constructed. Makurdi lies on both banks of river Benue.
Makurdias metroplitant in nature, has
people of diverse cultural background.Prominent among the tribes of ethnic
groups are Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Jukun, Idoma, Igede, Nupe, Babawa, Efulo, Alago
and so on and indigenous and dominant Tiv.
Makurdi
metropolis has witnessed generation gap challenges amidst parents and their adolescent
among the households due to the generational differences between them (Ahokegh,
2015). Adolescents as young adults passing through a transitional period is
over warmed with emotional, psychological, physical and social changes which
always breed conflicts with them and their parent. Generational gap that exists
in Makurdi metropolis between parents and their adolescents includes, choice of
music, mode of dress, language use, choice of food, means of transportation and
choice of place of worship. These changes are perceived to be as a result of
technological advancement.
For
instance parents differ with their adolescents for the choice of music. Some parents
may choose to listen to Afrobeat and traditional music like swange while
adolescents may choose to listen to pop star and western music (Ahokegh, 2015).
Parents and adolescents also differ in the area of dress. Adolescents choose to
use modern dresses which are characterized by skinny, rough jeans, t-shirts and
jeans while parents chose to wear co-operate, and traditional attires, this
creates a significant gap between parents and adolescents in the area of dress.
Language use and means of communication also creates a gap between parents and their
adolescence. Adolescents use social media more frequently effectively than
their parents due to their wide knowledge of use of the ICT (Asante, 2008). Choice
food is amajor aspect which createsgeneration gap between parents and younger
generation. Parents prefer eating certain foods which adolescents may not like.
For instance, parents like eating swallow with traditional food produced from
local methods which are prepared from home or by a domestic house wife while
adolescent prefer eating from fast food in a recreational places and kitchen
such as Mr. Biggs, KFC Kitchen and others.
Generation
gap also affects parents and adolescents in the area of worship in protestant
and pioneer churches such as Reformed Church of Christ Among TIV (NKST),
Methodist, Anglican and catholic while adolescents prefers to worship in the
new generational churches like, Living Faith, Redeemed Christian Church of God,
Restoration Ministries, Mountain of Fire, Fire Flame Ministries, Dunamis Gospel
Church and so on. Despite the upbringing from the same pioneer or native churches,
adolescents still differ with their parents in the choice of place of
worship.
Gecas
and Steff (1990) had earlier noticed that there is a huge gulf that separated
parents and attitudes of adolescents. Accordingly the values and attitudes of
adolescents become increasingly distanced from those of their parents. Based on
the above information, the researcher wish to investigate the generation gap
challenges between parents and adolescence in Makurdi Metropolis Benue State,
Nigeria.
1.2 STATEMENT
OF THE PROBLEM
Adolescence
is a transitional stage of physical, biological, and psychological development
which is often greeted with numerous problems. Within this period, adolescents
often exhibit some unacceptable behaviour such as disrespect and disobedience
to parents and the society. They indulge in smoking, drinking, fighting, strive
for autonomy, self-determination and other social vices. Adolescents feel they
know more than their parents because they are exposed to changes in information
and communication technology, entertainment, culture, beliefs and others.
Therefore, it is not uncommon to hear adolescents calling their parents ‘old
school’. The researcher has observed that parent-adolescent interaction in
Makurdi Metropolis is often characterised by quarrel, disagreement and argument
which signal the presence of conflict.
Due to this situation, some adolescents feel uncomfortable staying with
their parents, which often made them to leave home and join their peers. This
has made many of them to join bad gangs that engage in many social vices such
as armed robbery, stealing, kidnapping, cultism, prostitution and so on. These
activities have a lot of implication on them, their immediate families and the
society at large.
More
so, many parents seem to have limited time for their children; they feel may
sometimes less-concern about their adolescent-children’s welfare due to the
nature of their jobs which may take them away from home in a bid to provide for
the need of their children. Some of these adolescents due to lack of parental
guidance may turn to their peers for advice which in most cases lead them
astray. It appears that there are some generational gap that exist between parents
and adolescents which need to be bridged to ensure peaceful co-existence in the
home. However, there is the need to empirically investigate generationalgap
challenges that exist between parent and adolescents and possible ways of
bridging them hence the relevance of this study.
1.3 OBJECTIVES
OF THE STUDY
The
main objective of the study was to investigate generation gap challenges
between adolescents and parents in Makurdi metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria.
Specifically,
the study;
1. Identified
the generation gaps that exist between adolescents and parents in Makurdi
metropolis of Benue state.
2. Determined
the causes of generation gap between adolescents and parents in Makurdi of
Benue state.
3. Ascertained
the challenges posed by these generation gaps between adolescents and parents
in Makurdi metropolis of Benue state.
4. Determined
ways of bridging the generation gaps between adolescents and parents in Makurdi
metropolis of Benue state.
1.4 RESEARCH
QUESTIONS
The
study answered the following research questions:
1. What are the generational gaps that exist
between adolescents and parents in Makurdi Metropolis of Benue Sate, Nigeria?
2. What are the causes of generational gap
between adolescents and parents in Makurdi Metropolis of Benue State, Nigeria?
3. What are the challenges posed by generational
gap between adolescents and parents in Makurdi metropolis of Benue State,
Nigeria?
4. What are the ways of bridging generational
gap challenges between adolescents and parents in Makurdi Metropolis of Benue
State, Nigeria?
1.5 RESEARCH
HYPOTHESES
The
following hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significant:
H01 There
is no significant difference between the mean ratings of parents and
adolescents on generational gaps that exist between adolescents and parents in
Makurdiof Benue state.
H02 There
is no significant difference between the mean ratings of parents and
adolescents on the causes of generational gaps between adolescents and parents
in Makurdi metropolis of Benue state.
H03 There
is no significant difference between the mean ratings of parents and
adolescents on the challenges posed by generational gap between adolescents and
parents in Makurdi metropolis of Benue state.
H04 There
is no significant difference in the mean ratings of parents and adolescents on
ways of bridging generational gap challenges between adolescents and parents in
Makurdi metropolis of Benue state.
1.6 SIGNIFICANCE
OF THE STUDY
The
findings of the study will be of benefit to Parents, adolescents, families,
communities, institutions of learning both private and public sectors.The
finding of this study will help the parents by giving them the best ways of
bridging generation gap such as that there will be a good relationship with
their children. Parents will have better understanding of their adolescents since
there will be bridge in generation gap. Hence they will impact on adolescents
the course of parenting and discipline. Parents will also enjoy conflict free
homes, and cordial relationship among family members through family get
together. The findings of this study will be made available to parents and
adolescents during community town hall meetings and P.T.A meetings.
It
will be of great benefits to adolescents as they will no longer see their
parents as primitive, but will rather build a good relationship with them when
generation gap is bridged among them. This can be achieved; though religious
bodies, formal education, seminars, lectures and social media.
Individuals
and family members will also benefits from this study since the bridging of
generation gap will enhance cordial relationship among family members.
Parenting will be made easier since parents will understand the best ways of
modelling their adolescents, through, village/community meetings; religious
worship centres (churches/mosques) seminars, town Hall meetings, media channels
such as Television station and radio stations.
Adolescents
will benefit from the findings of the studies as the knowledge of the area of
variance between them and their parent will help them to accept some corrections
given to them. It will also enhance their communication with their parents
which will make them confide in them always.
1.7 SCOPE
OF THE STUDY
The
study was carried out in Makurdi Metropolis in Benue State of Nigeria. The
study covered the identification of generational gap between adolescents and
parents. The causes and the challenges posed by the identified generational
gap. Finally, the study looked at possible ways of bridging generational gap.
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