Source and essence of gratitude: Re-examining the intergenerational views on respect for the older persons

ABSTRACT

@#<p style="text-align justify;">The paper looked into dynamics and variances of the manifestation of gratitude towards the older persons utilizing qualitative survey design. A total of 300 study participants, which include the young millennials, mid-lifers and older generation groups, were interviewed. The tool used was a simple interview guide for a freewheeling interview with storytelling style. Three-level classification of qualitative survey analysis was used. The findings revealed how family, work and societal changes have contributed to the changes in the manifestation of gratitude. The changes in the social structure and the demand to cope with these changes have caused the gap between the desire of the older persons to be respected and how the younger generations have shown this to them. Gratitude, which is manifestation of respect, has evolved and is now shown differently across intergenerational groups and seems to be experienced similarly across nations. The younger generations have a different view on respect in comparison with the older generations.</p>