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Learning Objective 1: After this presentation the individual will understand the scope of generational differences between Caucasian Americans and African Americans.
Learning Objective 2: After this presentation the individual will be have 2 strategies to use in regards to improving educational endeavors of American Americans.
Research on generational differences has largely addressed the "average" Caucasian American individual. These categories currently include: “maturer", "veterans"’ or “builders” born between 1920-1945; “boomers" born between 1946 -1964; “generation X”, "Xer", or ‘busters” born between 1965 – 1980; and “generation Y”, "Yer", or "millennials" born after 1981 (Gaylor, 2002; Siela, 2006). There are specific key events for each of these generations that formulated that generation's values and traits. Strauss and Howe (1991) surmise that no matter whom you are, the events of the time, the politics, the social, and economic institutions will mold your behaviors. However it is felt that demographic, social reality of race, and ethnicity are important and not just sential events. This research took a profound direction regarding education expectations. Grounded theory was used to provide insight and enhance understanding of these differences. Thirty African Americans, 18-83 years of age participated in individual interviews with one of the researchers. Generational differences among Caucasians are not similar to those of the study participants. In fact family, culture, and education are the most life altering influenced in an average Black family. The “maturers” stated that their parents had high expectations for them even though they did not have the best situation to flourish. The “Yers” have a completely different perspective on expectation and success. Taking these elements into consideration will make a stronger transcultural interaction among races and ethnicity. Armed with this insight, structuring education to breach the gap between expectations and success will benefit all elements of life.
References:
Gaylor, D. (2002). Generational Differences. Retrieved on December 16, 2006 from
http://www.ats.wilmore.ky.us/academics/biacl/notebook/07/watson_appendix1.pdf
Siela, D. (2006). Managing the multigenerational nursing staff. American Nursing
Today, 47-50.
Strauss,W. & Howe, N (1991). Generations: The History of America’s futures, 1584 to 2069. W. Morrow and Company, Inc: New York.