Generational Woes: Baby Boomers and the Loss of Traditional Values (pt. 4)

15 Sep Generational Woes: Baby Boomers and the Loss of Traditional Values (pt. 4)

Elderly Problems: Baby Boomers Sinking Values

Elderly Problems by Boomeryearbook.com

Baby boomers, known as a force of social change now face an even more daunting prospect than the social injustices they confronted 40 years ago. Coming into the twilight of their own lives, they can now view their legacy with perspective. What they see is a world that is drastically different from the one in which they themselves grew up in. Whereas their futures, built on a foundation of the traditional family and the values that they imparted, were bright and hopeful; subsequent generations face a more uncertain and dire future.

The loss of the traditional family structure has left the American social landscape in shambles. Echo boomers (and soon their children) have carried on the torch that was passed on by their baby boomer parents to the nth degree. Fueled by advances in technology and higher degrees of hedonism, our families are growing further apart and any sense of cultural values are being replaced by advertisement jingles.

Indeed, everyone wants to “be like Mike,” but very few people have any idea of how to systematically achieve this. Instead of embracing ideas of hard work and sacrifice, baby boomers have instilled in their children the concept of instant gratification. Is there any surprise? Baby boomers have taken the parent equation out of the developmental loop. With the demise of the traditional family structure, one parent is not saddled with the almost impossible task of doing the job of two parents.

The task has placed a tremendous burden on single mothers who are, more often than not, the parent that is asked to be mother, father, and financial provider – not uncommonly to multiple children. In these circumstances, survival is of paramount concern and the passing on of time honored values – God, country and duty – are only afterthoughts and stuff that takes place on black and white sitcoms like the “Andy Griffin Show”.

Elderly Problems: Baby Boomers Loss of Traditional Family

The absence of fathers within the family structure has been simply devastating to the American society. The statistics literally scream in pain as children of non-traditional families are becoming a lost generation. Children from non-traditional homes are more likely to engage in greater sexual activity at increasingly younger ages. Children from non-traditional homes face increased risk of drug and alcohol abuse. The suicide rate among children from non-traditional homes is above 60%. Baby boomers are now realizing that the society they have created is destroying future generations.

The grand social experiment, while combating social injustices that needed to be challenged, has nevertheless failed. The lack of a definitive moral standard has left a society adrift and subject to its own individual whims and desires. The results have been predictable. The only course of action is one that baby boomers are well familiar with; an understanding that change is needed and a determination to take action. The baby boomers have shown us that social change is possible. But the needed change will not be a quick or easy. Much in the same way that baby boomers transformed the landscape of their parents; it will take a generation to change the current one. But boomers beware; as a failure to do so, may well result in a failure of the fabric of American society!

The Psychological Article on Generational Woes: Baby Boomers and the Loss of Traditional Values (pt. 4)
is part of Boomer Yearbook’s continuing series of articles to alleviate elderly problems. We believe knowledge is power. We’d love to hear what you think.

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