Abstract
Objective
Based on generational theory and social identity theory, this study analyzed the presence of generational autostereotypes (self-assessment in the context of group identity) and heterostereotypes (perceptions of the second generation) among adults from Generation X (middle adulthood) and their children, who are from Generation Z (early adulthood).
Background
Media information and scholarly works on generations reveal generational stereotypes related to professional work. Our study reveals the beliefs of parents and their children regarding the personality traits of representatives of both generations.
Method
Participants from southeastern Poland (N = 197; 111 = Generation X, 86 = Generation Z) completed the Adjective Check List (ACL; Gough & Heilbrun, 2012), describing themselves and members of their own and other generational groups.
Results
The results indicate that the self-perception of Generation X representatives was similar to the generational image at the within-group level. However, the self-descriptions of Generation Z participants clearly differed from the collective representation of their own generation, which was similar to the heterostereotype created by Generation X, especially in the areas of aggression (d = −1.499), autonomy (d = −1.21), exposure (d = −1.31), and in the dimension of caring (d = 1.58).
Conclusions
This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamics of intergroup cognition and the mechanisms of the formation and content of generational stereotypes.
Implications
The implications of the study, addressed to various social groups, are presented, primarily concerning the activation of generational stereotypes due to the presence of generational labels.