Erasing the Battle Lines: How Communication Can Ease Intergenerational Division

Abstract

As older Gen Z is aging into adulthood, workplaces, schools, and other institutions are finding themselves grappling with keeping four different generations with very different world views working in harmony. Marked political divisions, the after-effects of Covid, and social media only add to the challenges. At times, it can feel like getting these generations on the same page is a lost cause, but communication studies offer various skills and approaches - including active listening, dual perspective - and fantasy, to help reduce the divides and get the generations not just working in spite of their differences but actually benefiting from them. This workshop aims to impart practical techniques to attendees, leaving them better-equipped to make connections across generational divides.

Presenters

Amy Lewis
Associate Chair, English, Community College of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Details

Presentation Type

Workshop Presentation

Theme

Communications and Linguistic Studies

KEYWORDS

Generations, Dual Perspective, Active Listening, Fantasy, Diversity, Connection, Collaboration, Workforce