Андрей Макаров // У zoomer-ов нет врагов и ценностей!

Social Division and Generation Z

The Concept of Social Division

• Social division is described as the "death of the subject," transforming individuals into objects.

• The speaker questions the value of volunteering, expressing uncertainty about its significance.

• Restrictions imposed on youth are criticized for lacking inherent value, particularly regarding safety.

Generational Perspectives

• The discussion introduces generational labels (Boomers, X, Y, Z, Alpha), emphasizing their unique contributions to society.

• Elena Yanchuk hosts a program discussing generational theories with expert Andrey Ivanovich Makarov.

Understanding Generation Z

• Generation Z is identified as the first post-Soviet generation and is now entering adulthood and the workforce.

• There is a growing discourse around this generation in various platforms including universities and workplaces.

Workplace Dynamics and 'Ghosting'

Ghosting in Employment

• Ghosting refers to employees leaving without notice after experiencing negative workplace vibes created by employers.

Clarifying Generational Theory

• Makarov emphasizes the need to define what constitutes a generation within sociological contexts.

Critique of Generational Theory

Scientific Validity

• Makarov notes that there is no universal truth in science; opposing paradigms often exist within social sciences.

Cultural Contextualization

• He views generational theory as a useful tool for understanding cultural adaptations rather than an absolute classification.

Historical Influences on Generations

Normative Years Hypothesis

• Karl Mannheim's hypothesis suggests that formative experiences during adolescence shape generational characteristics significantly.

Adaptation Models

• Adolescents adapt differently compared to their parents due to historical events impacting their developmental years.

The Changing Interests of Youth

Shifts in Focus

• As children grow into teenagers, they begin exploring complex subjects like history and philosophy driven by personal development needs.

Understanding Generational Perspectives

The Example of Misha and the Pool

• The speaker recounts an incident at a pool where a child, Misha, expresses fear of drowning rather than water itself. This highlights the difference between perceived fears and actual dangers.

• Adults often mislead children by downplaying their fears, which can create confusion about reality. This reflects a broader theme of how adults introduce misconceptions to children.

Adapting to the World

• Children initially do not need to conform as parents adapt to them; however, they must eventually learn to navigate societal expectations and develop their worldview.

• There are cohorts (people born in specific time frames) and generations that reflect different levels of self-reflection and worldview construction among individuals.

Youth Identity Formation

• The formative years are crucial for youth as they establish their identity through fashion and language, often leading to conflicts with previous generations.

• Different generational characteristics emerge: Generation Z is shaped by the internet's fluidity, while older generations may struggle with adapting to this new reality.

Characteristics of Generations

• Generation X is described as resource-oriented individuals who prioritize efficiency. Their social dialect revolves around concepts of resources and effectiveness.

• They view people as "human resources," indicating a pragmatic approach towards relationships and interactions within society.

Ideals vs. Goals Across Generations

• Generation X lacks lofty ideals; instead, they focus on tangible goals without understanding the distinction between dreams and objectives.

• The American Dream is contrasted with Soviet ideals in cinema, showcasing differing cultural narratives about individual potential and success.

The Role of Literature in Ideals

• While younger generations like Millennials (referred to as "игреки") have dreams influenced by literature, they often feel disconnected from reality due to idealism clashing with practical challenges.

• Artistic expression becomes a significant outlet for idealism amidst cynicism prevalent in socio-economic realities today.

Cynicism in Cultural Context

• In American culture, cynicism is openly acknowledged; however, it carries negative connotations in Russian culture. This reflects differing societal attitudes toward honesty versus manipulation.

Understanding the Duality of Reality in Generation Z

The Concept of Idealism and Emotional Disconnect

• Discussion on how idealism is poorly masked, indicating a disconnect between virtual and real-world experiences for some individuals.

• Emphasizes that while everyone has emotions, true feelings require reflection and reasoning, which are challenging for those navigating dual realities.

• Highlights the lack of protest among this generation due to their ability to shift seamlessly between two worlds without fully engaging with either.

The Phenomenon of Ghosting in Employment

• Introduces the concept of "ghosting" where employees leave abruptly, often linked to psychological orientations favoring positive vibes.

• Explains that many do not perceive emotional vibrations or cues from their environment, leading to anxiety about toxic interactions.

• Shares an anecdote illustrating ghosting behavior tied to overwhelming emotional responses triggered by negative environments.

New Sincerity and Its Implications

• Discusses Generation Z's new sincerity as both a resource and a potential drawback in workplace dynamics.

• Contrasts traditional management approaches (carrot and stick methods), noting that punitive measures can induce panic rather than compliance among Gen Z workers.

Challenges in Retaining Generation Z Employees

• Reports on findings from surveys indicating that financial incentives are crucial for retaining Gen Z employees at factories.

• Suggestion made to incorporate cultural elements (like music events with popular bands) into work environments to enhance employee engagement.

The Importance of Vibes and Communication

• Discusses how "vibes" can influence workplace atmosphere, suggesting they imprint on physical spaces over time.

• Mentions cultural practices regarding entering new spaces without conflict, emphasizing the impact of initial experiences on future perceptions.

• Defines "moods" as critical components affecting communication; toxic interactions can linger even after apologies are made.

Resistance Against Poor Working Conditions

• Concludes with observations about Generation Z's resistance against inadequate working conditions, highlighting their preference for maintaining positive vibes over conforming to traditional expectations.

Demographic Challenges and Individual Actions

The Current Labor Market Dynamics

• Discussion on the current labor market, highlighting a demographic crisis where labor supply is considered insufficient.

• Emphasis on individual actions taken by younger generations (referred to as "zeta") against traditional employer expectations, such as ignoring job offers or ghosting.

• Question raised about the potential for individual actions to evolve into collective movements like unions, which are currently lacking.

Perspectives on Future Outlook

• A metaphorical illustration of a young person's lack of future planning, indicating a broader generational sentiment of uncertainty.

• Critique of the impact of COVID-19 on education and cognitive functions, suggesting long-term detrimental effects from remote learning.

Social Division and Individualization

• Introduction of the concept of social division as detrimental to human connection; argues that it leads to individualization and isolation in society.

• Warning against societal trends that promote strong individualism at the expense of community ties, referencing studies indicating high levels of social atomization.

The Psychological Impact on Youth

Safety Announcements and Individual Behavior

• Anecdote about safety warnings leading to increased anxiety among individuals; suggests these messages contribute to further isolation.

The Need for Collective Action

• Argument for reversing trends towards individualism; calls for a return to community-oriented approaches rather than isolating practices.

Generational Differences in Career Aspirations

The Millennial Experience vs. Zeta Generation

• Observations about how previous generations (millennials) were lured by career prospects but now face mental health challenges due to high expectations.

Understanding Modern Youth's Needs

• Reflection on how today's youth live day-to-day without long-term plans; highlights their disconnection from traditional career trajectories.

Government Initiatives and Youth Engagement

State Efforts in Youth Policy Development

• Mention of government attempts to engage with youth through various initiatives aimed at improving their situation and opportunities.

Volunteerism and Generation Z: Insights on Youth Engagement

The Appeal of Volunteerism to Generation Z

• Discussion begins on the interest of Generation Z (Zoomers) in volunteer activities, particularly environmental initiatives. However, it questions whether general volunteer work is engaging enough without a specific focus.

• The speaker reflects on the underlying values of volunteerism, suggesting that it may stem from a desire to contribute positively to society and combat social isolation.

• An example is given where volunteers come together to clean up an oil spill, highlighting how ecological issues can unite people for a common cause.

Collective Action and Its Value

• The conversation shifts to the nature of collective action during crises, questioning if such actions are truly considered volunteerism or simply community support in emergencies.

• Emphasis is placed on the importance of identifying the value behind collective actions. The challenge lies in finding meaningful projects that inspire participation among youth.

Grassroots Initiatives and Policy Implications

• There’s a call for policies that encourage grassroots initiatives rather than top-down approaches. It suggests that true engagement comes from community-driven efforts rather than imposed structures.

• A reference is made to young people seeking communal experiences, like joining monasteries for service, but warns against framing such initiatives as obligatory tasks which could deter participation.

Cultural Significance of Bottom-Up Movements

• The speaker critiques social designers who may not align with grassroots values. They argue for creating environments conducive to bottom-up initiatives that resonate with youth interests.

• Examples are provided about supporting small businesses as part of fostering entrepreneurial spirit among youth while recognizing their need for guidance and resources.

National Identity and Creative Potential

• The discussion touches upon significant cultural movements like the "Immortal Regiment," emphasizing its grassroots origins as a powerful example of collective memory and identity formation across generations.

• A reflection on national identity reveals a search for creative expression as essential. It argues that nurturing creativity can unlock potential within individuals and communities alike.

Challenges Faced by Youth Today

• The speaker highlights the necessity for conditions that allow creative potentials to flourish, linking this back to historical perspectives on creativity within religious contexts.

• Concerns are raised regarding restrictions placed upon youth today, suggesting these limitations hinder their ability to engage meaningfully with society and explore their identities fully.

• Finally, there’s an exploration into societal perceptions of youth as potentially dangerous due to imposed restrictions. This leads into philosophical reflections on urgency versus patience in societal change efforts.

Discussion on Cultural Adaptation and Youth Trends

The Nature of Restrictions and Freedom

• The speaker compares societal restrictions to the forced blooming of peonies, suggesting that natural processes should not be interfered with.

• There is irony in proposing a law against sin, highlighting the absurdity of extreme measures in governance.

• Concerns are raised about communication methods among youth if platforms like Telegram are restricted; emphasizes the need for social interaction.

Youth Culture and Its Evolution

• The popularity of artists like Nadezhda Kadysheva reflects a blend of nostalgia and modern cultural trends among youth.

• Discussion on how younger generations perceive figures like Shaman, who may not resonate as authentically with them despite being marketed as patriotic icons.

Cultural Phenomena and State Response

• Observations on bizarre cultural phenomena affecting Generation Z, including clip-based thinking and unique expressions within their culture.

• A call for diversity in cultural representation, advocating for more voices like Kadysheva's while questioning institutional responses to emerging artists.

Advertising Dynamics in Modern Society

• Insights into advertising effectiveness reveal that viral marketing is more impactful than traditional methods; genuine engagement is key.

• Critique of targeted advertising strategies which often fail to penetrate consumer consciousness effectively.

Values Among Generations

• Discussion on freedom as a core value for Generation Z, contrasting it with previous generations' experiences; freedom has become commonplace rather than valued.

• Noting a shift towards nonviolence among youth, indicating a decline in street crime and violence compared to earlier generations.

Social Dynamics and Relationships

• Exploration of how Generation Z perceives 'the other,' emphasizing avoidance over confrontation; this reflects their preference for positive social interactions.

• Friendship emerges as a significant value but also indicates its scarcity; relationships are seen through the lens of positivity rather than conflict.

Understanding Generation Z's Relationship with Information

The Digital Natives and Their Unique Perspective

• Generation Z, born from 1996 onwards, has grown up in a digital environment, heavily influenced by smartphones and artificial intelligence.

• This generation is adept at filtering information, distinguishing between fake and real news, which may help older generations who lack experience in navigating this digital landscape.

Information Processing Differences

• Unlike previous generations that prioritized the importance of information, Gen Z focuses on aesthetics—what looks appealing rather than what is useful or beneficial.

• There’s a shift towards visual content over ideas; the aesthetic appeal often dictates engagement more than substantive value.

Engagement with Content

• Gen Z exhibits rapid content consumption habits characterized by "scrolling" through feeds and quickly deciding what they like or dislike based on immediate reactions.

• This generational mindset raises questions about their ability to envision long-term goals compared to older generations who consider utility and future benefits.

Societal Challenges and Adaptation

• The discussion highlights the challenges faced by young people today regarding housing affordability and economic stability compared to past decades.

• Many young individuals adapt to unfavorable conditions instead of actively seeking change within societal structures, leading to a phenomenon referred to as "new nomads."

Future Perspectives and Demographic Trends

• A lack of vision for the future among younger generations could lead to declining demographic trends as they fail to see a viable path forward.

• The conversation touches upon how socio-economic factors influence birth rates across different demographics, suggesting that survival instincts drive reproductive decisions during crises.

Ideological Considerations

• The need for an ideology is emphasized; without a coherent system of ideas guiding them, individuals risk becoming mere consumers rather than active participants in shaping society.

• Current ideologies seem focused on immediate gratification rather than long-term values or beliefs that can foster community engagement.

The Crisis of Ideology and Generational Dialogue

The End of Ideologies

• Postmodernists declare the "end of ideology," suggesting that for ideologies to thrive, they require a diverse set of individuals and modern contexts. However, the overwhelming amount of information leads to localized systems of ideas.

Balancing Community Ideologies

• There is a challenge in balancing various community ideologies into a cohesive central ideology. A proposed solution is focusing on unlocking individual creative potentials while allowing freedoms rather than imposing restrictions.

Architectural vs. Design Crisis

• The speaker critiques contemporary architecture, arguing that much of it resembles mere design rather than true architectural integrity. This reflects a broader crisis where superficial aesthetics are prioritized over substantial structural concepts.

Generational Disparities

• Different generations exhibit varying levels of adaptability: Generation X has resources, Y faces uncertainty, and Z feels hopeless about the future. Finding ways to harmonize these differences is crucial for societal progress.

Facilitating Intergenerational Dialogue

• To foster dialogue between generations, both sides must adjust their communication habits: older generations should listen more, while younger ones need to express themselves openly. This shift can help mitigate conflicts arising from misunderstandings.

Misunderstandings Between Generations

• There’s skepticism towards sociological data among older generations who believe the public is wiser than elites. Younger voices often go unheard despite expressing their thoughts through music and other mediums.

The Role of Parents in Understanding Youth

• Parents often struggle to understand their children’s experiences but can gain insights through open dialogues facilitated by educators or external sources. This understanding can lead to positive changes in family dynamics.

Challenges Faced by Young Men

• Young men raised solely by mothers may face unique challenges due to overprotective parenting styles that hinder their development into independent adults. Recognizing this dynamic is essential for fostering healthier relationships between parents and children.

Understanding Conflict and Communication

The Nature of Aggression in Communication

• Discussion on how the absence of punctuation, like periods at the end of messages, can be perceived as aggressive behavior.

• Acknowledgment that individuals may not see themselves as aggressive, yet their expressions (like eye contact) can convey aggression.

• Emphasis on the importance of self-awareness in communication to avoid misunderstandings.

Adjustments in Local Communities

• Recognition that while people are willing to listen and adjust their behaviors, this is primarily seen within local communities such as families.

• Noted difficulty for employers to adapt but acknowledgment that businesses are still seeking effective models for communication.

• Reference to a list created from feedback about what employers should avoid doing, highlighting proactive measures for better workplace interactions.