The boomer generation had a lot of cherished beliefs and practices that keep fading with each subsequent generation. Many of their respected practices are either being phased out or are losing value. This article looks at some of these aspects of boomer culture that have transformed from being valued to ridiculed today.
Traditional Gender Roles
In the boomer generation, men and women were viewed as having specific roles in society, both at home and in the workplace. According to Study.com, traditional gender roles looked at a man as a breadwinner and the head of the household while women are expected to be caretakers and homemakers. This is changing, and it’s changing fast, as women also want some of what men have.
Authority Figures
Boomers held authority figures like teachers, police officers, and politicians in high regard and they always respected them without question. Millennials and Gen Z, however, demand accountability from their leaders for their actions, and the practice of blind loyalty is no more.
Age Hierarchy
Many cultures regard older individuals in society as their elders and leaders. Aging was taken to be a sign of wisdom. Respect for elders was based solely on age. There was a strong belief in the superiority of older individuals that has lost its relevance in society today.
Corporate Loyalty
Lifetime employment with a single company was a big practice in the boomer generation. People looked at company loyalty as a virtue when an individual worked with the same cooperation throughout their career. This has faded as job markets have become more dynamic and employee-centered.
Heteronormativity
Verywell Mind defines heteronormativity as the assumption that heterosexuality is the norm. In the boomer generation, straight people and cis-gender individuals were regarded as superior. There was a lot of stigmatization for LGBTQ+ people. This is reduced with increasing laws and rights supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
Material Wealth
Material possessions were a symbol of wealth in the boomer generation. Younger generations, however, prioritize experiences and fulfillment over possessions. Boomers tend to work more toward saving for the future, while younger generations look more for jobs that support a flexible and happier working environment.
Technological Illiteracy
Technology plays an integral role in daily life today. Boomers lived a more analog lifestyle with traditional forms of communication, like handwritten letters and landline phones. This has been phased out with the increased use of mobile phones and online messaging services like email and social media platforms.
Formal Dress Codes
In the boomer generation, dress code and appearance were seen as a sign of professionalism. Certain workplaces even had rules for strict adherence to the dress code. This value placed on formal dress codes is now often seen as unnecessary and overly restrictive in today’s more casual society.
Cultural Conservatism
Cultural conservatism was common among boomers, with traditional values and practices strongly emphasized. Youth culture was often viewed as rebellious or disrespectful, as many people clung to familiar norms. However, as society increasingly values diversity, cultural conservatism is being perceived as outdated and out of touch.
Work Ethic
Boomers found pride in working long hours and sacrificing personal time for career advancement. It was seen as a sign of dedication. This work ethic is now questioned as younger generations prioritize work-life balance and mental well-being.
Respect for Privacy
There was a high reluctance to share personal information publicly among boomers. With the increase in the influencer lifestyle, and social media usage among millennials and Gen Z, privacy has been greatly reduced. A lot of information can be found online today, including personal contact information and addresses.
Marriage and Family Values
Marriage was given high regard by the boomer generation. There was great emphasis on traditional nuclear family structures. Many girls were usually pressured to marry and have children at a young age, and divorce was greatly stigmatized, forcing many people to stay in unhappy marriages.
Music and Entertainment Preferences
Boomers preferred classic rock and oldies music. Progressive kinds of music like pop music were not popular. They viewed it as lacking substance. This contrasts with younger generations, as they have a better appreciation for diverse genres and innovative forms of entertainment.
Patriotism
Boomers cherished patriotism for its pride in national identity and values. Practices like strong military intervention and wars were regarded as a sign of loyalty and protection of one’s country. These values are now challenged with an increased push for cultural exchange.
Attitudes Toward Mental Health
Belief in “pulling oneself together” instead of seeking professional help was a common practice in the boomer generation. As more studies show the benefits of good mental health, there is a reduced stigmatization of mental illness. People are more understanding and empathetic toward mental health struggles.
Consumerism
Boomers’ embrace of consumer culture and equating possessions with happiness was once synonymous with success. However, in a world facing environmental and social challenges, their materialistic mindset is now viewed as shallow and unsustainable. Younger generations prioritize sustainability and experiences over material wealth, rendering their consumerist values outdated.
Environmental Awareness
Many people disregarded environmental conservation efforts in the boomer generation. Profits and economic interests were prioritized over environmental protection. Gen Zs are now strong promoters of environmentally friendly practices, with clear research on the increasing adverse effects of climate change.
Cultural Appropriation
The adoption of cultural elements without understanding or respect for the people in the respective culture is greatly ridiculed today. Many Indigenous, Black, and other marginalized cultures often had their ideas and culture monetized without any credit or profit. This is now criticized as disrespectful and harmful.
Healthcare Attitudes
Boomers’ reliance on traditional medicine and skepticism toward modern healthcare practices show a reluctance to embrace advancements. They dismissed mental health as a legitimate concern, encouraging stigma and preventing individuals from getting necessary support.
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