2009-08-11-皮尤-Forty_Years_After_Woodstock,_A_Gentler_Generation_Gap_27页_173kb

Generational Differences Today

Despite notable differences in technology use, music preferences, work ethic, moral values, and respect for others, today's generation gap is much less contentious than it was in the 1960s. A 79% of Americans believe there is a generational gap, with widespread agreement that young and older adults differ in key areas like technology and music, but relatively few (26%) see this as a source of major conflict. Fathers and children report fewer serious disagreements compared to the past.

Music and Technology

Rock music, once unpopular in 1966, is now the most popular genre, with nearly two-thirds of adults listening to it often or sometimes. Gen Z and older generations largely agree, with big majorities disagreeing with the idea that rock was a counterculture soundtrack in the 1960s. Heavy use of new technologies sees the largest generational divide.

Cultural and Social Values

There is broad cultural agreement on many issues once considered battlegrounds of generations. Blacks and Hispanics are more likely to view older generations as morally superior, while other groups see varying perspectives. Young people are seen as more tolerant of different races and groups than older adults. Despite perceived differences in work ethic and moral values, today's generational tensions are lower than in the 1960s–1970s, with similar levels of conflict in society for other divides such as immigration, poverty, or race.

Rock's Popularity

Music tastes show generational change: rock is favored by most adults today, aided by its rise due to generational replacement and parental influence. Older adults are less receptive to some genres like hip-hop, while country music explains 85% score, mostly among older listeners. Initial popularity contests also compared iconic eras, testing generational preferences like Beatles forever being highest among all age groups.

Method

Conducted among 1,815 US residents, this two-part survey (July-August 2009) revealed key patterns in generational attitudes and historical referencing.