Intergenerational research aims to promote greater understanding and respect between
generations and contribute to building more cohesive communities. Intergenerational
relationships form part of our social make–up as they affect social interactions, the use of
local spaces, opportunities to take part in public life on an equal basis with others, the degree
to which people participate in community life as well as efforts to improve such life.
Research indicates that what matters most for young adults and older people is the quality of
the interactions taking place between them. Very little is known about the nature of the
intergenerational relationships between young adults and older people in an African context.
The aim of the study was therefore to explore the intergenerational relationships between
young adults and older people in a rural African community.
A qualitative research method was used in the study. Two groups of participants were
selected though availability sampling method. The group consisted of 11 male participants
between 20 to 35 years of age, 6 participants were over the age of 60 (one male and five
female). The younger participants were asked to make visual representations of how they
perceive the older generation by means of using the Mmogo–method. After the younger
participants described their visual representations, the older participants were asked to reflect
on the descriptions given by the younger participants. The older people assumed an active
listening position while the young adults shared their representations. Informal group
discussion was used to facilitate a process of sharing and comparing of perceptions among
the participants. The data obtained from the group discussions and applying the Mmogomethod
were analysed on the basis of thematic and visual analysis. The trustworthiness of
the study was ensured through crystallisation.
The results indicate that the relationships between young adults and older people consist
of the ambivalent perceptions of the young adults and mostly extreme negative perceptions of
older people. As a result, the relationships between the young and old generations seem to be
dissatisfying for both generations. Both young and old discover essential tensions in the
relationships they create and sustain across generations. Intergenerational tensions may not be so easily identified or concretely observable in everyday behaviour, attitudes, and emotions.
But, consistent with the dialectical framework, it is part of all intergenerational relationships
at some level. Identifying these underlying tensions is important so that we do not glorify or
idealise the interactions of young and old whenever and wherever they occur. Solidarity is
not the only outcome of intergenerational relationships; ambivalence as well as conflict is a
part of the theory that has often been neglected.
In view ofthe importance of intergenerational relationships between the young adults and
the older people, intergenerational interventions should be planned to promote the effective
negotiation of intergenerational relationships between older persons and the younger
generation. / Thesis (M.A. (Research Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:nwu/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/7605 |
| Date | January 2011 |
| Creators | Mabaso, Thato Palesa Penelope |
| Publisher | North-West University |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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