Why Are My Parents’ Morals and This Generation’s Morals Different?

In the ever-evolving world, generational differences in morals have always been a topic of interest and debate. My parents, those born between 1940–1965, grew up during a time heavily influenced by the Temperance Movement in America. This movement, which began before World War II, permeated society, shaping the attitudes towards alcohol consumption.

Deep Stigma and Brainwashing

The older generation believed that drinking was an outright evil, a viewpoint that was reinforced through their upbringing. Their parents taught them that abstaining from alcohol was the only righteous path, contributing to a strong stigma against alcoholism. My grandparents’ biological upbringing and the strict Temperance Movement thinking led to a brainwashed generation in the 1970s and 1980s. During this period, very few people drank alcohol. It was culturally frowned upon, and those who did drink were considered drunkards by medical terms.

Cultural Shift and Changes in Morals

Before the 1970s, there was limited access to abortion and birth control methods, leading to more traditional values circling around marriage and abstinence. My parents were further influenced by their grandparents’ strict moral teachings. Consequently, sexual relations outside of marriage were seen as evil. Being expected to wait until marriage, if not the honeymoon, was a common expectation. This belief was deeply ingrained in the older generation and passed down through the generations, promoting a culture of delayed gratification and abstinence.

Contrasts Between Generations

Contrasting with the values of my parents, our priorities today often lie in materialism, focusing on wealth and instant gratification. While my parents were content with what they had, we often prioritize more immediate and excessive pleasures, sometimes at the cost of honesty and sincerity. Morals are increasingly being compromised due to personal needs and societal pressures.

Morals in a Changing World

Although religious individuals often argue that morals are absolute, our perspective on them is inherently subjective and context-dependent. Morals are deeply connected to culture, and cultural context changes over time, often at a faster pace. In the past, the changes in morals between generations were subtle, but now, a significant gap exists due to rapid societal evolution. Concepts of marriage and relationships have significantly transformed, reflecting these generational differences.

Evolution of Relationships

In societies where women were previously dependent and divorce was discouraged for religious reasons, relationships were expected to last a lifetime. This was crucial to avoid catastrophic consequences, particularly for women. Happiness in a relationship was secondary to securing religious or social standing. Consequently, arranged marriages were common. Today, women lead relatively independent lives, pursuing their own goals and needs. This shift has made relationships more complex, with more variables to consider. People are less willing to compromise, and ending relationships is more straightforward. These changes result in more transient relationships and less stability, but they also offer different advantages.

Personal Views on Marriage and Relationships

I believe the concept of marriage has become less suitable for modern relationships. Marriage can create artificial barriers to ending relationships, which can lead to complacency. However, if both partners invest in a relationship, they can find a lifelong partner as easily as my parents did. My girlfriend and I, who are not married, have been together for 16 years and plan to spend the rest of our lives together, demonstrating that meaningful relationships can persist without legal binding.

Conclusion

Generational differences in morals reflect the changing cultural landscapes and societal values. Understanding these shifts can provide insight into the evolving nature of relationships and the complex interplay between tradition and modernity. As the world continues to change, it is important to acknowledge and respect these differences while still striving for meaningful and enduring connections.