Cultures change slowly over time, we always say. But Millennials (those born from approx. 1980-2000) are forcing us to qualify that notion. As a recent article in the New York Times illuminates, this couldn’t be more apparent than in some of in the most conservative cultures, such as Saudi Arabia, where digitally-savvy young adults circumvent time-honored cultural norms.
We all know that technology breaks through traditional constraints but have you appreciated its radical impact on cultures with large numbers of Millennials? Their very expectations and values are being reshaped. In some cultures, such as India, where there is dramatic and rapid cultural change afoot, the role of women and customary hierarchical mores are being questioned. These are central to the way people view themselves.
What is it like to live in a culture that is rapidly changing because its young people are digital global citizens? What is it like for those in their 40s, 50s and beyond who live with significantly different cultural expectations and norms? What’s your opinion?
