Are you still caught up in the seemingly never-ending conversation about generational differences? I’m pretty over it myself, because I realize I like working with people of all ages and know pillars and superstars and kind people from each generation. Being a jerk also seems to have no age requirements. Plus, every generation has created some really great music. (Got to have priorities, right?)
However, a recent article on ageisim in the APS Observer reported some very interesting research worthy of sharing. Among other important findings, one thing that caught my attention was research identifying three categories of “prescriptive” stereotypes (i.e., those describing how a group should act) for old people.
- The first is about envied resource consumption as in “quit, it’s my turn now”.
- The second refers to shared resource consumption as in “we have limited resources; don’t use them up older folks”.
- Finally, the last has to do with symbolic identity as in “stop acting like a young person and act your age”.
No surprise that younger people were more likely to endorse these stereotypes than older people but interestingly, men were more likely than women.
Do you ever think these things? Is it appropriate? Is it useful?
Being that the percentage of people over 65 is increasing, the way age and aging is perceived is important to consider. It’s especially relevant in the workplace where age diversity is a factor.
Stereotyping occurs when a person makes judgments about another based on belonging to a particular demographic group. Don’t do that. Get to know people.
Would love to hear your thoughts on the aging population.
I am increasingly frustrated after each article I read attempting to “explain” Generation Y. I was born in 1986 but do not identify with many of these “Millennials”. If anything, I identify more with Generation X. I do believe that there are many similarities between most of the members of Generation Y, as there are between members of each generation, but let me warn you that if anyone were attempt to manage me as an employee under these types of assumptions, they would have a difficult time doing so. Allie
I agree Allie. Declaring someone is going to act a particular way just because they are part of some generation is not very effective. Get to know the person. Who cares what generation they are part of!