Generationism
Encyclopedia
Generationism is the belief that a specific generation has inherent traits which may be labeled inferior or superior to the traits of another generation. The term is usually applied to claims of superiority in the expressed values, valuations, lifestyles and general beliefs of one generation compared to those of another, where objectively verifiable criteria substantiating the claim of superiority in themselves are lacking.
Generationism is most commonly used as an accusation against the belief that the contemporary generation in itself is inherently superior to previous generations, for example through the common practice of pejoratively referring to ancient cultures as "primitive" - not to be confused with the positive label of primitivism
- although an older generation's opposition to the values and lifestyles of a younger generation may also popularly be referred to as generationist.
Generationism as a recurring sociological phenomenon has been studied in detail by the Swedish philosophers Alexander Bard
and Jan Söderqvist
in their work "The Global Empire" (published in Swedish in 2003). Bard and Söderqvist regard generationism as a close but far less frequently analyzed relative to racism
which they propose should be studied in more detail to strengthen the general argumentation for relativism
and pragmatism
in contemporary philosophy.
Generationism is most commonly used as an accusation against the belief that the contemporary generation in itself is inherently superior to previous generations, for example through the common practice of pejoratively referring to ancient cultures as "primitive" - not to be confused with the positive label of primitivism
Primitivism
Primitivism is a Western art movement that borrows visual forms from non-Western or prehistoric peoples, such as Paul Gauguin's inclusion of Tahitian motifs in paintings and ceramics...
- although an older generation's opposition to the values and lifestyles of a younger generation may also popularly be referred to as generationist.
Generationism as a recurring sociological phenomenon has been studied in detail by the Swedish philosophers Alexander Bard
Alexander Bard
Alexander Bengt Magnus Bard is a Swedish artist, music producer and writer.-Background and education:Bard was born Alexander Bengt Magnus Bard in Medevi, Motala Municipality, Sweden. After he had completed his upper secondary education, Bard studied in the United States and in Amsterdam, Netherlands...
and Jan Söderqvist
Jan Söderqvist
Jan Söderqvist, born 1961, is an author, lecturer, writer and consultant, and among other things also working as a literary and film critic for the Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet...
in their work "The Global Empire" (published in Swedish in 2003). Bard and Söderqvist regard generationism as a close but far less frequently analyzed relative to racism
Racism
Racism is the belief that inherent different traits in human racial groups justify discrimination. In the modern English language, the term "racism" is used predominantly as a pejorative epithet. It is applied especially to the practice or advocacy of racial discrimination of a pernicious nature...
which they propose should be studied in more detail to strengthen the general argumentation for relativism
Relativism
Relativism is the concept that points of view have no absolute truth or validity, having only relative, subjective value according to differences in perception and consideration....
and pragmatism
Pragmatism
Pragmatism is a philosophical tradition centered on the linking of practice and theory. It describes a process where theory is extracted from practice, and applied back to practice to form what is called intelligent practice...
in contemporary philosophy.