Youth IDEAS: Intergenerational understanding

Strengthening Intergenerational Understanding

Recent protests triggered not only vigorous discussion but arguments and conflict between Hong Kong’s generations. The young people had distinctly different views, values and attitudes from the older generation. This study, conducted from October to November 2019, reflects the strained relationships that resulted.

Differences usually result when generations grow up in a rapidly changing political, economic, social and technological world. When those generations live together or in close contact with one another, the differences can become acute.

Well known Hong Kong sociologist, Professor Lui Tai-lok, defined the city’s generations according to stages of population development and current social status. 1 For example, second generation baby boomers, 2 born after World War II, want stability above all. Those born since the 1990s, in a more affluent period for Hong Kong, value their way of life more highly. For them, it comes before economic growth.

Report No. No.48 HKFYG Youth I.D.E.A.S. Society and Livelihood group

Published title Strengthening Intergenerational Understanding

Respondents 300 18-29-year-olds, 302 parents aged 54-73 and four professionals/ experts.

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Key points from the research ● 42.4% of youth had argued with parents occasionally or frequently in the previous six months. Major trigger points: w 70.9% Social issues/political standpoints w 59.1% Economic/spending issues ● 31.2% of parents said family relationships had deteriorated in the previous six months. ● The younger generation rated freedom, equality and democracy as the most important core values for Hong Kong. ● The older generation considered social stability, the rule of law and equality to be the most important core values.

Comments from Youth I.D.E.A.S. think tank members Alan Yip, convener “Most recent intergenerational conflict has been between parents and children. Better communication should alleviate the problem and since respondents of all ages who had argued with each other were willing to change, more government resources should be allocated to support them, including professional family mediation where necessary.”

Carly Liu & David Li, group members “We suggest starting a movement for positive family communication where parents and youth learn the relevant skills. They could then become ambassadors and share what they learn with their community. District councils could also organize regular dialogue between people of different generations to break down barriers.”

Comments from experts The professionals interviewed said that social media has changed young people’s concept of equality, thereby breaking down the hierarchical structure between generations. Differences in sense of identity have also emerged whereby young people identify themselves more as “Hong Kong people” or “global citizens” rather than “Chinese people”, also accentuating the difference between generations.