Generation gap

A generation gap describesvast differentcultural norms betweenyounger generationtheir elders.

The term first came into prominenceWestern countries during1960sdescribecultural differences betweenbaby boomerstheir parents. Although history had always seen some degreegenerational differences, during this eradifferences betweentwo generations magnified significantlycomparisonprevious times. There were major differencessuch matters as musical tastes, fashion, drug use,politics. This situation may have been accelerated byunprecedented size ofyoung baby boomer generation, which gave themgreater sensepowerinfluence than had been seen previously, andyounger generation was willingrebel against society normsan previously unseen degree.

Several examplesgenerational differences were prominent duringperiod. Rock musicsoul music, popular amongyouth, was mostly detested by their elders. Long hair on young males was frequently seen asshocking actrebellion against societal norms by their parents. The large scale protests againstVietnam War on American college campuses contrasted sharply withuniversal national supportWorld War II that their parents had experienced. Traditional sexual mores were crumbling underweight ofsexual revolution. Drug use increased among young people,many youths "dropped out" intohippie counterculture. While not allthese attributes characterized all young people,differences were pervasive enough among enough peoplecause significant frictionmany areassociety.

Baby boomers hadstrong sensegenerational identity during this period. A common catchphrase ofera among young people was "don't trust anyone over 30." This sentiment was also expressed by The Who,their anthem "My Generation",whichnarrator sang, "Hope I die before I get old." The influence ofbaby boomers was so significant thatentire generation was named "Man ofYear" by Time magazine1966.

The term "generation gap"rarely used today, as generational differencesgenerational identitynow less significantWestern society than during1960s.