DAV GIRLS SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL CHENNAI – 86

ALS ENGLISH PROJECT - TERM II

BRIDGING MILLENIAL DIVERSITY:

THE EVOLUTION OF CONNECTION

FATHER TO SON

GROUP 2:

SNO NAMES ROLL NO

1 K. ABHINANDHA 11101
2 MISHA KHAN 11113
3 PADHMANETHRRI 11116
4 RISHIKA BENGANI 11119

BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE
Certified to be the bonafide ALS Project work in ENGLISH work done by GROUP-2
of Class XI A of D.A.V. GIRLS SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL, GOPALAPURAM,
CHENNAI-86 during 2021-2022.

School Seal

Submitted for practical examination held on 9-02-2022 at D.A.V. Girls Senior

Secondary School, Gopalapuram, Chennai – 86.

Signature of the subject teacher

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
CONTENT
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the changes that took place during a generation’s gap leading to the
difference in ideas and views of people of different generations. Trying to analyze
the situation and bring in suitable suggestions for an ideal lifestyle.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:
As years pass by, it is not just the time that changes but the ideas, views,
mannerism, morality also changes. The pattern of life changes. The background and
conditions each generation grew are different therefore causing the difference in
their point of view.
There is a lack of communication between the generations. For this so-called
“Generation Gap” to be reduced, the gap is to be filled with respect for each other’s
views and opinions. There needs to be mutual understanding between the
generations.
We would like to go deeper into this topic and research about the situation in each
family. We are planning to conduct a survey on this issue and jot down their
feedback. We would like to come up with an “ideal lifestyle” with the help of the
suggestions given by each generation.
ACTION-PLAN TABLE:

S.NO DATE PLAN PROGRESS

1 22-Nov-21 Project initiation/Group Done:

formation Group 2
K. Abhinandha
Misha Khan
Padhmanethrri
Rishika Bengani

2 24-Nov-21 Splitting the chapters Done

among the members Each person took 2
chapters.

3 27-Nov-21 Topic Discussion Done:

Father to Son

4 01-Dec-21 Title Selection Done-

BRIDGING THE
GENERATION GAP

5 04-Dec-21 Change in Title Done-

BRIDGING MILLENIAL
DIVERSITY: THE
EVOLUTION OF
CONNECTION

6 07-Dec-21 Objective Discussion Done

Objective of the thesis was
discussed.

7 10-Dec-21 SOP Discussion Done

SOP was discussed and
drafted.
8 11-Dec-21 Questionnaire For In process
Survey Prepared 10 questions.

9 12-Dec-21 Continuation of Done

Questionnaire Prepared the rest of the
/Transcript questions (10)

10 13-Dec-21 Transcript In process

Sources from
videos/websites collected.

11 14-Dec-21 Transcript Done

Finished combining the
different sources.

12 15-Dec-21 Total Rough Draft Done

Completion Combined the objective,
SOP, transcript and
questionnaire
 TRANSCRIPT

GENERATION GAP AND CHARACTERISTICS

https://youtu.be/uEd6dhOegn4
The war between the generations never ends and each group seems to think they
have all the answers. We have often heard about generations X, Y, and Z. Are they
really different? It’s easy to see why there is so much confusion about generational
cohorts. Demographers grouped people based on their birth years to examine
economic trends and social changes over time.
In March 2019, a Zambian Twitter user went viral for his thread explaining why
people born between 1985 and 1995 are “the most unique generation of all time”. In
this video, we are going to have a look at six generations in the 21st century and
what makes each of them unique.
1. The Greatest Generation (or GI Generation) - Born in 1924 or earlier.
2. The Silent Generation - Born 1925-1945
3. Baby Boomers - Born 1946-1964
4. Generation X - Born 1965-1980
5. Generation Y or the Millennials - Born 1981-1996
6. Generation Z or Gen Z - Born 1997-present
Characteristics:
The Greatest Generation: Strong work ethic
The Silent Generation: Discipline, Upholding Values, Gratitude, and an Appreciation
for the “Simplicities” in life.
Baby Boomers: They are more downbeat about their life. Gloomiest generation.
Wealthiest, physically fit and most active. The last generation to grow without
internet or any other mobile technology.
Generation X: “Tales for an Accelerated Culture”. First considered as slackers.
Later proved to be hardworking, independent, flexible and family centric. Introduced
the idea of solid work life balance into the work force. Internet not available for
general public.
Generation Y: Optimistic about career, networking, teamwork, hardworking,
ambitious, willing to think out of the box to pursue opportunities. Internet available
for general public. Spenders instead of savers.
Generation Z: Future of global economy. Will never know about the life without
internet connection or cell phones. They are true digital natives. They believe in
diversity, equality and non-discrimination. This generation is optimistic and very
driven about their personal ambitions. This generation grew up with diverse family
structures and more varied mix of ethnic groups.

Every generation is unique in its own terms. They have their own stories and share
of contribution to our culture and economic development.

EVOLUTION OF GENERATION GAP

https://youtu.be/PAJytr0OZQU

Generation gap is difference in attitude and behaviour between people of different

generations. For example, old generation would accuse the new of being
disobedient and lacking in values. While the new generation would accuse the old
for being too rigid and outdated.
Generation gap did not exist in the medieval society when there was little social
mobility. A son was bound to choose the profession of his father and live the same
life which his father has lived. The external environment too did not change much.
Society was the same whether it was the 14th century or the 15th century. Same
economy, same lifestyle. Father, being the experienced person would understand
the needs and dilemmas of his son, as he has faced the same in his own life. There
was no generation gap then. It all started post industrial revolution.
When the society started changing. But the significance was realized only in the 20 th
century, when mass media led to massive changes in the social environment.
Dress, food, music and dance all would change every 20 years. Even ideologies
would change.
Father and son were separated by different lifestyles. Son would face different
choices and dilemmas; his father would have no answers to. Son would look
elsewhere for the answers, but his father would want him to listen. Result is a
conflict.
That is generation gap.
Today the pace of change has only increased. So, the generation gap is expected to
be increasing too. This poses a challenge to the new parents. They are expected to
be adaptable, understanding and tolerant to avoid inter-generational conflicts.

GENERATION GAP- IMPACT ON RELATION

https://www.toppr.com/guides/essays/essay-on-generation-gap/

It is always nice to have fresh ideas and points of view. It is a clear indication of how
we are advancing and developing at a great level. However, when this clash of ideas
and viewpoints becomes too much, it becomes a matter of worry.
The most common result of this clash is distanced relations. Generally, a generation
gap is mostly seen between parents and kids. It shows that parents fail to understand
their kids and vice versa. The parents usually follow the traditions and norms.
Likewise, they expect their children to conform to the societal norms as they have. But
the kids are of the modern age with a broad outlook. They refuse to accept these
traditional ways.

This is one of the main reasons why the conflict begins. They do not reach a solution
and thus distance themselves because of misunderstandings. This is a mistake at
both ends. The parents must try not to impose the same expectations which their
parents had from them. Similarly, the kids must not outright wrong their parents but try
to understand where this is coming from.

GENERATION GAP- CAUSES

https://www.vedantu.com/english/generation-gap-essay

Everything is influenced with the change of time- the age, the culture, mannerism
and morality. This change affects everyone. Generation gap is an endless social
phenomenon. Every generation lives at a certain time under certain circumstances
and conditions. So, all generations have their own set of values and views. Every
generation wants to uphold the principles they believe in. This is a problem that has
continued for ages.
People born in different time periods under different conditions have their own views
based on the circumstances they have been through. The patterns of life have been
changing continuously according to time. Everyone wants to live and behave in his
own way and no one wants to compromise with his or her values and views. There
has always been a difference in attitude or lack of understanding between the
younger and older generations. This attitude has augmented the generation gap and
it is becoming wider day-by-day. This gap now has started impacting our lives in a
wrong way. 
It is always good to have a wide range of ideas, views and opinions. It indicates how
we are developing and advancing but sometimes this becomes worrisome when the
views and ideas are not accepted by both the generations. Parents create a certain
image in minds for their children. They want to bring up their children with values
that they have been brought up with and expect their children to follow the same.
Parents want children to act in accordance with their values, as they believe, it is for
their benefit and would do well to them. 
Children on the other hand have broader outlook and refuse to accept the traditional
ways. They want to do things in their own ways and don’t like going by any rulebook.
Mostly, young people experience conflict during their adolescence. They are
desperately searching for self-identity. Parents at times fail to understand the
demands of this fast-paced world. Ultimately, despite love and affection for each
other both are drained out of energy and not able to comprehend the other.
Consequently, there is a lack of communication and giving up on relationships. 
Nothing can be as beautiful as a parent-child relationship in the world. It should be
nurtured very delicately and so it is important to bridge the gap between the two
generations. It is time to realize that neither is completely right nor wrong. Both the
generations have to develop more understanding and acceptance for each other.
Having a dialogue with each other calmly, with the idea of sorting out conflict
amicably in ideas, changing their mindset for each other and coming to a middle
ground can be the most helpful instrument in bridging the gap between the two
generations. 
Spending more time with each other like family outings, vacations, picnics,
shopping, watching movies together could be some effective ways to build up a
strong bond with each other. Both the generations need to study the ways of the
society during their growing period and have mutual respect for it. To reduce the
friction between the two generations, both parents and children have to give space
to each other and define certain boundaries that the latter should respect the same. 
Generation gap occurs because society is constantly changing. It is the
responsibility of both the generations to fill this gap with love, affection and trust.
Both the generations should have mutual respect for the views and opinions that
they uphold and advance cautiously with the development of the society.

PERCEPTION OF BABY BOOMERS TOWARD GENERATION X

https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/5065856.pdf
Guerrilla warfare between generations is nothing new. Boomers fought some of the
same battles with the generation that preceded them; in the ‘60s, it was called the
generation gap. The current atmosphere between Generation Xers and Boomer
bosses is not doing much to clear the air. Boomers consider Xers to be lazy, cynical,
all-but-illiterate whiners. Boomers think Generation X has no sense of loyalty,
particularly company loyalty.
One of the most bitter bones of contention between Boomers and Xers is the
younger generation’s work ethic, or, as Boomers see it, their lack of a work ethic. A
common belief held by Baby Boomers about Generation Xers is that they are
disloyal and not willing to pay their dues. Boomers are of an era when workers gave
years of service to one company and were rewarded through job security and
retirement benefits. From their perspective, employees who switch jobs every few
years and still expect promotions are not playing by the rules. Boomers also view
the short attention span of Generation Xers as negative.
To older workers, it may seem as though Xers lack loyalty, but for Xers it is not that
the contract was broken; it never existed. For many prospective employers, this
represents flexibility rather than instability. Xers like temporary assignments and
lateral promotions. Since they do not plan to stay in one position too long, they focus
on benefits they can use such as time off and childcare rather than pension plans.
Boomers view Generation Xers as disrespectful of rules and authority, lacking
employer loyalty, and scornful of paying dues to move up the ladder.
A lack of mutual understanding has led to widespread stereotyping of the younger
generation as “slackers”. Around 90 percent of Baby Boomer managers rated
people of their own generation better in terms of the quality of their contribution to
the company. Except for the quality of openness to new ideas, Generation Xers
were rated poorly across the board by the older generation.
It was declared that young people of 1989 were considered to be more selfish,
materialistic, reckless, and less patriotic. Other descriptions include immature, cocky
or arrogant, disloyal cynics with short attention spans, slackers and whiners,
unwilling to pay their dues, in need of immediate gratification, and not committed to
work.
Baby Boomers think that today’s Generation Xers expect too much. Baby Boomers
also think that younger workers need to be more patient. If they do not get what they
want they leave – they are just not loyal. Baby Boomers also say Generation Xers
will not stick with something long enough to get deep into it.
Baby Boomers view Generation Xers as slackers, rude and lacking social skills.
They are always doing things their own way, instead of the prescribed way. They
spend too much time on the Internet and e-mail. They also will not wait their turn.

PERCEPTION OF GENERATION X TOWARD BABY BOOMERS

Xers see the older generation as smug workaholics who play an atavistic game of
corporate politics and who are out of touch with anything resembling the economic
reality of our times. Boomers think Generation X has no sense of loyalty-particularly
company loyalty.
It was stated that Generation X employees watched their parents devote their lives
to a corporation only to become the human flotsam of downsizing. From their
perspective, Boomers place too much value on work itself and seem to respect
tenure more than performance. Xers saw their workaholic parents laid off and heard
them complain about corporate politics. It is no surprise that they view jobs as
temporary.
Generation Xers feel the Baby Boomers spent too much time partying and messing
up the world that they have inherited. Now, the Xers have to fix it, and they see the
Boomers as being in their way. This has made them very cynical.
Generation Xers see Baby Boomers as overcautious and hierarchy worshiping,
overly influenced by their parents’ Depression mentality. Generation Xers see
Boomers as inflexible, and senior management cannot make a decision without
forming a committee. Younger workers think their bosses are burned out. Baby
Boomers based promotions on tenure rather than performance.
Generation Xers feel that Baby Boomers partied their way through the ‘70s and ‘80s,
sticking the younger generation with the check. And as they enter the workforce at a
time of prolonged downsizing and downturn, they see a career path clogged with
aging Baby Boomers. From the Xers’ perspective, Boomers sold out their principles,
placed work ahead of family, and moneymaking over community.
It was declared that Generation Xers see Baby Boomers as self-righteous, and
workaholics. They are too political, always trying to figure out just what to say… to
whom… and when. They also do a great job of talking the talk. But they do not walk
the talk. They are clueless. Their words are “get out of my face”, “lighten up, it is
only a job”, and “what is the management fad this week?”

BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN BABY BOOMERS AND GENERATION X

It was concluded that not all generationally diverse workplaces need to end in such
discord. Their research has uncovered two keys to establishing a collaborative
intergenerational workforce: aggressive communication and difference deployment.
In aggressive communication, conflicts are most often the result of preconceived
expectations and rapid assumptions. Resolution comes when these generational
cobwebs are aired out and addressed. Passive-aggressive behaviour is to be
avoided like the plague; over-communication is a sigh of a healthy company. In
difference deployment, placement is the key. Each employee should be treated as
an individual, not lumped into a category.
Ultimately, most experts agree that an environment that nourishes highly productive
relationships between young and old can be established. The key to transcending
age-related differences is mutual empathy and respect. Respecting people’s
feelings, time and space is always the right approach to take when working with
others (Raz, 2000 http://).
To bridge the generation gap, managers and organizations must realize that they
can benefit from the rich experience, loyalty and sometimes higher productivity of
the older workforce. However at the same time, they need to direct the younger
generation’s ability to drive, change, and challenge the status quo. To encourage
them and bridge the generation gap the managers should practice by creating an
atmosphere of fellowship where people can learn from and with each other.
Put the right people in the right jobs. Managers should avoid giving the young and
talented jobs with little growth potential. Also they should train line managers in
supporting and facilitating rather than merely exercising oversight and control. Given
their need for autonomy and flexibility, young employees would have difficulty in
accepting rigid structures and inflexible management styles.
Rotate people’s positions so they can enrich their experiences and understand the
needs of other people and departments. Also provide training and development
opportunities to all categories of employees to help them grow and maintain their
loyalty. Use the results of fair and generally accepted appraisal methods to support
all Human Resource policies and decisions. Keep open communication channels,
have an open-door approach and be responsive to the needs of employees.

Generation gap can be bridged by practicing these ideas, which are known as
ACORN imperatives (Accommodate, Create, Operate, Respect and Nourish).
Accommodate employee differences. Employee retention is now a critical priority for
all businesses. Companies must learn to treat their internal customer as well as they
do their external ones. The companies should learn all they can about the
employees, work to meet their specific needs, and serve them according to their
individual preferences.
Create workplace choices. The generation friendly companies allow the workplace
to shape itself around the work being done, the customers being served and the
people who work there.
Respect competence and initiative. Expect the best from your people and you will
get the best. When you treat every employee, from the newest recruit to the most
seasoned employees, as if they have great things to offer and are motivated to do
their best, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Nourish retention. Many organizations are yet unaware there is a labor shortage, or
at least they act that way. They expect employees to bend to the company’s will and
to adapt to meet the demands of the company culture. Then the executives
complain about their high turnover, the difficulty of finding good people, and the
skyrocketing costs of replacing those who have left. Generationally friendly
companies are concerned and focused, on a daily basis, with retention, and on
making their workplaces magnets for excellence. They know that keeping their
people is every bit as important in today’s economy as finding and retaining
customers. Therefore, they offer lots of training, from one-on-one coaching
opportunities to interactive computer-based training to an extensive and varied
menu of classroom courses.
Bridging social gaps could be difficult. Remembering the Golden Rule can be an
effective mission statement in dealing with generational differences. No matter what
one’s background or experience, one can always learn from others. By taking that
attitude to work every day, one can increase understanding between generations
and promote better communication.
HOW TO BRIDGE THE GAP?
https://www.toppr.com/guides/essays/essay-on-generation-gap/

As we all know there is no stronger bond than that of a kid and his parents. Thus, we
must understand its importance and handle it with care. Nowadays, it is very
disheartening to see that these precious relationships are getting strained due to a
generation gap.

In other words, just because there is a difference of opinion does not mean that people
give up on relationships. It is high time both parties understand that no one is
completely right or wrong. They can both reach a middle ground and sort it out.
Acceptance and understanding are the keys here.

Moreover, there must be a friendly relationship between parents and kids. The kids
must be given the space to express themselves freely without the fear of traditional
thinking. Likewise, the children must trust their parents enough to indulge them in their
lives.

Most importantly, there is a need to set boundaries between the two parties. Instead of
debating, it is better to understand the point of view. This will result in
great communication and both will be happy irrespective of the generation gap.

In short, a generation gap happens due to the constant changes in the world. While
we may not stop the evolvement of the world, we can strengthen the bond and bridge
the gap it creates. Each person must respect everyone for their individuality rather
than fitting them into a box they believe to be right.
 SURVEY QUESTIONS

1) Do you think there is conflict between the generations?

a. Yes
b. No
c. Probably
d. Probably not

2) How often do you fight with your child/parents? Do you think it is because of the
generation gap?
a. Often, yes
b. Often, no
c. Rarely, yes
d. Rarely, no

3) If you could give one important message to the next generation, what would it
be?

4) Is there any incident which relates to the issues caused by generation gap? If so,
can you describe?
5) Do you think your generation is an ideal generation?
a. Yes
b. No
c. Probably
d. Probably not
6) Do you think ideas of each generation considered together could form an ideal
generation?
a. Yes
b. No
c. Probably
d. Probably not

7) Do you think generation gap can cause confusion or misunderstanding amongst

individuals at workplaces or schools.?
a. Yes
b. No
c. Sometimes
d. Always

8) How difficult is it for you to work with youngsters/elderly people?

a. Very difficult
b. Difficult
c. Manageable
d. Not difficult
9) Do you feel parents and children can be friends and build a close relationship?

a. Yes, a parent can be considered his/her child’s best friend as they treat their
children as individuals with minds of their own.
b. No, the child will lose his/her respect for the parent and it also creates a sense
of dependency for the child on the parent which might backfire in the long run.
c. Partly agree with a
d. Partly agree with b

10) Do you think the conflicts could be solved by respecting everyone’s opinions
and point of views?
a. Yes
b. No
c. Probably
d. Probably not
11) Do you accept the ideas of the other generation if it were better than that of
yours?
a. Yes
 b. No
c. Sometimes
d. It depends

12) To what level do you agree, that you are good at building a healthy
relationship and communicating with those of other generation?
a. 100%
b. 75%
c. 50%
d. Less than 50%

13) Would you describe yourself to be a parent who understands the differences in
your generation and your children’s generation and support them in their
choices?
a. Yes
b. No
c. Probably
d. Probably not

14) Have you ever tried to reduce the generation gap between you and the others
by filling the gap by understanding their point of view?
a. Yes
b. No
c. Sometimes
d. It depends

15) As time passes by, the number of generations increases and hence the gap
between the ideologies. Do you think that the gap can be stopped from widening
by taking the efforts now?
a. Yes
b. No
c. Probably
d. Probably not
16) Have you ever felt that your ideology is better than that of your
parents/children?
a. Yes
b. No
c. Sometimes
d. Always
17) Do you find it difficult to share your opinions and problems with your elders? If
yes why?
a. Yes
b. No
c. Probably
d. Probably not

18) Do you think you spend enough time with your family? Do you think you
consider everyone’s point of view equally?
a. Yes
b. No
c. Probably
d. Probably not
19)Do you think technology is one of the reasons which led to change in the
lifestyle of the different generations? What else do you think could have been
the reason?
a. Yes
b. No
c. Probably
d. Probably not
20)Could you suggest any other method to reduce the conflicts due to the
generation gap?