In today’s rapidly evolving world, generational divides are more pronounced than ever. Among these divides, the gap between Gen Z and their parents or guardians stands out as particularly significant.
Researchers found via factor analysis that fewer than half of Gen Z (46%) feel their parents or guardians understand them.¹
In addition to this, Gallup found that 62% of Gen Z say they just want their parents to listen to them when they are upset, while 1 in 6 Gen Z parents feel they struggle to comfort their child. Clearly, there is a large gap between Gen Z and their parents.
“[Gen Z] are not motivated by what motivated their parents: They care deeply about others and justice and the environment. But they do not see existing organizations and structures (often including the Church) as a good approach to address what is broken”.²
Gen Z is described as the “open generation”.³ This displays how they make friends, relate to one another, and even think about religion, Gen Z wants to find meaning on their own terms. This disconnect presents a unique challenge for parents and leaders striving to bridge the generational divide and foster a more supportive and empathetic environment.
“[Adults] don’t want to listen. [When certain] subjects are brought up… you get kicked out, and that’s not fair at all. I feel like everybody should have their own opinion and be able to state what they want to state.”4
Founder and President of Celebrate Kids, Dr. Kathy Koch shares that parents and church leaders must talk about their values and boundaries and how God’s word influenced their choices. Gen Z has a deep desire to be chosen by someone that recognizes something of worth in them and calls it out, rather than seeking the mentor out themselves. Today’s teens need and desire to have a guide in several areas of their life.5
One key takeaway is that Gen Z craves authenticity. Barna comments on the research; “Authenticity is an important feature of Gen Z’s self-identification journey. The insecurity and uncertainty of the coming-of-age years, however, can challenge the much-discussed Gen Z persona of being authentic, bold, expressive and accepting. Gen Z in early adulthood (for our study, this is ages 18–24) are nearly twice as likely as Gen Z teens (ages 13–17) to say they have felt held back from being able to authentically express who they are (62% vs. 34%). Female Gen Z are significantly more likely than their male peers to say they have felt held back from authentically expressing themselves (53% vs. 47%). Female Gen Z young adults are the most likely segment to feel “held back” (67%).”
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¹ Gen Z Volume 3 (p.13)
² Gen Z Volume 3 (p.59)
³ Gen Z Volume 3 (p.17)
4 Gen Z Volume 3 (p.46)
5 Gen Z Volume 3 (p.75)