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Article history:
Received 02 January 2023
Accepted 21 March 2023
Published online 27 March 2023
Psychology of Woman Journal
Volume 4, Issue 1, pp 1-13
Analyzing the causes and factors of the difference between the girls of the
generation Z and the previous generations in Iran from the perspective of
social psychology
Kamdin. Parsakia1, Mehdi. Rostami1*, Nadereh. Saadati1, Seyed Ali. Darbani1, Shokoh. Navabinejad2
1 Faculty of Psychology and Counseling, Iran-Mehr: The Institute for Social Study and Research, Tehran, Iran
2 Professor, Department of counseling, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
* Corresponding author email address: Dr.me.rostami@iranmehr.ac.ir
A r t i c l e I n f o
A B S T R A C T
Article type:
Original Research
How to cite this article:
Parsakia, K., Rostami, R., Saadati, N.,
Darbani, S. A., & Navabinejad, S.
(2023). Analyzing the causes and factors
of the difference between the girls of the
generation Z and the previous
generations in Iran from the perspective
of social psychology. Psychology of
Woman Journal, 4(1), 1-13.
http://dx.doi.org/10.52547/
psychowoman.4.1.1
© 2023 the authors. Published by
KMAN Publication Inc. (KMANPUB),
Ontario, Canada. This is an open access
article under the terms of the Creative
Commons Attribution-NonCommercial
4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)
License.
Objective: Generation Z is a generation of teenagers and young people who were
born and grew up during the pandemic of social networks. This generation under the
influence of these technologies has many differences with previous generations.
Therefore, the current research aims to analyze the causes and factors of the
difference between the generation girls and the previous generations in Iran from the
social psychology perspective.
Method: The current research was qualitative research using grounded theory. For
this purpose, a part of the qualitative data from the existing research was used. In
addition, in order to collect data through semi-structured interviews, the population
of this study was divided into two categories. The first group were experts in this
field and the second group was also formed by Generation Z people of Tehran. Then,
6 experts and 23 teenagers were interviewed using available sampling method and
based on opinion saturation.
Results: From the analysis and analysis of qualitative data, 3 selection codes, 9 core
codes and 38 open codes were obtained, divided into three core categories, 9 core
categories and 38 components. It was categorized.
Conclusion: The results showed that the causes and factors of the difference between
the girls of the next generation and the previous generations are in three main
categories: 1) environmental causes, 2) cultural disjunction and 3) individual and
internal factors are replaced.
Keywords: generation Z girls, differences between generations, Iran, social psychology,
causes and factors.
1 Introduction
eople born from 1995 onwards are called Generation
Z (Mokrý et al., 2016). Generation Z is a generation of
teenagers and young people who were born and grew up
during the epidemic period of the spread of social networks.
Under the influence of these technologies, this generation
has many differences from previous generations. Prensky
(2001) called this generation of today's youth digital natives;
Because they have never experienced life without the
P
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Internet. This is one of the unique characteristics of this
generation because no other generation has ever had easy
access to the Internet and other technologies from the
beginning of their lives (Prensky, 2001). Mokry et al. (2016)
believe this generation has a very different perception of the
world due to its connection with technology since birth
(Mokrý et al., 2016).
Measuring generational differences can be both simple
and challenging. In this regard, there are two common
methods. First, generations can be compared cross-
sectionally on any variable in a single survey study. For
example, one variable can be compared between generation
Z society and the generation of the 50s and 40s to identify
the intergenerational difference. Another approach is an
intertemporal comparison using samples of people of
different ages in different periods. For example, he studied a
sample once between the ages of 15 and 20 and once
between the ages of 40 and 45 to identify generational
differences (Campbell et al., 2015). However, the challenge
remains to test the sources of generational differences that
underlie the generational differences obtained using these
approaches. These cases can be affected by age, time period,
generational, and group factors. In fact, each of the methods
can yield some of these. Therefore, both methods are
necessary to find accurate and comprehensive results
(Campbell et al., 2015).
There are three prominent models regarding the
generational change. The first model is the circular model of
Strauss and Howe (1991). This model is based on the
rotating economic pattern called K waves or economic
seasons. In this pattern, economic cycles become expensive
or greedy, overextended, and paradoxical or fearful. Strauss
and Howe (1991) believe that generational changes also
follow this pattern, that this cycle starts from the old
generations, and the contradiction in the new generations is
created on this basis and continues in this way (Campbell et
al., 2015; Strauss & Howe, 1991). The second model is the
modernization model, which states that cultures move in a
continuous process of modernization in which
individualism, civic participation, and tolerance increase
(Inglehart & Welzel, 2005). This theory says that societies
develop in predictable stages with generational progress in
reaching individualistic and homogeneous societies
(Campbell et al., 2015). The last model is a model based on
extrinsic individualism (Twenge, Campbell, & Freeman,
2012). This model predicts that generations will move
toward greater outward self-focus (e.g., narcissism and
materialism), lower civic participation, lower trust, higher
self-expression, and less inward focus (e.g., finding
philosophical meaning in life) (Campbell et al., 2015). In this
regard, the study of Twenge, Campbell, and Freeman (2012)
showed that the current generation has decreased in the
variable of civic participation compared to previous
generations (Twenge, Campbell, & Freeman, 2012).
According to Katz (1974), the changes that occur in
society are due to discontinuities, differences and
incompatibilities in the social system, which can have
internal or external roots, which include: 1) a set of internal
conflicts in a society After that, there is a conflict in the
interests of social classes. 2) Competition of individuals and
groups for rewards in society. 3) Inconsistency in the growth
rate of different parts of the society (such as subcultures) 4)
Separation of generations based on age in the social context.
5) external environmental contracts and conflicts such as
various external conflicts and cooperations (Katz, 1974).
Twenge, Campbell, and Freeman (2012) consider the
basis of generational differences to be cultural differences.
They believe that when the culture changes, the socialization
of the young members of that society is different and based
on new and different values compared to previous
generations; So that it can be said that the culture of each
generation is different from another generation (Twenge,
Campbell, & Freeman, 2012), which means the value and
normative differences between generations.
One of the views of social psychology regarding
generational differences is the "great gap”view. According
to this view, there are fundamental differences between the
new generation and the previous generations; This means
that there are irreconcilable differences between the age
groups that characterize different generations, and the force
of these differences leads to very rapid cultural changes
(Bengtson, 1970).
Twenge and Donnelly (2016) investigated generational
differences in the reasons for going to university in their
research. Their research showed that generation Z is more
influenced by external motivations and factors, while the
previous generations entered the university more with
internal motivations (Twenge & Donnelly, 2016). Therefore,
generation Z is influenced by the environment more than its
previous generations.
In the past, access to today's technologies was only
available to a particular class of society. In contrast, today,
even the lower classes of society are economically able to
provide devices such as smartphones and computers (Turner,
2015). As a result of this and due to technological
advancements, generation Z has quickly adapted to it and has
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experienced interaction and communication with the whole
world since childhood (Turner, 2015). Turner (2015)
considers parents to be one of the factors that play a major
role in creating a gap between the Z generation and older
generations. He believes that parents have accelerated the
process of the intergenerational gap by providing facilities
and early access to technology for their children. So, the
chance of socializing in a way other than technology has
been limited for this generation. Also, he admits that social
networks and their use at a young age have made the
socialization and adoption of values and norms of this
generation less affected by the society in which they live
(Turner, 2015).
One of the differences between Generation Z and other
generations is playing computer games. Studies have shown
that dopamine released in the brain's limbic system of those
who play computer games is comparable to the level of
dopamine described in people who consume amphetamine
(Rainie & Wellman, 2012).
From a psychological point of view, the use of technology
in Generation Z has caused them to lose the opportunity to
learn healthy coping skills. As a result, they have a lower
ability to face obstacles than previous generations (Turner,
2015).
In addition, the possibility of instant pleasure and
reaching pleasure at any moment through technology and the
Internet has made them spend less time than the previous
generation to sit and think and reflect on complex issues.
Therefore, this generation has less ability to think deeply and
focus on important issues and they feel less need and
necessity for it (Turkle, 2011).
The high volume of technology consumption has the
potential to disrupt neurological development. For example,
empirical evidence shows that watching 1 to 3 hours of
television (or movies and series) per day is associated with a
high risk of attention problems at the age of 7 years (Steyer,
2012). Also, Steyer (2012) showed that the cognitive parts
of this generation that drive impulsivity are constantly being
neurologically stimulated through the bombardment of text
messages, computer games, and cell phone notifications.
Also, the possibility of reaching any answer through search
engines in just a few seconds has changed the way this
generation focuses, writes and reacts (Steyer, 2012).
In relation to smartphones, it can be said that this
technology has made it possible to meet the needs that were
previously met with several special devices, now in the form
of one device and in a more advanced way. This way of
meeting needs has made this generation more dependent on
mobile phones than others, so it has become a device with
which "everyone can work". While this is not the case for
the past generations, they see the mobile phone as a device
that can solve only a part of their needs (Palley, 2012;
Turner, 2015).
Also, in relation to the Internet, research shows that
Generation Z feels emotionally dependent on the Internet,
and the link that exists between this generation and
technology is emotional dependence (Turner, 2015).
Generation Z has easy access to all kinds of content,
including pornographic content, violence, self-harm, how to
make weapons, etc., and this has made people much younger
than in the past get information about this (Turner, 2015).
Also, due to the advancement of technology, face-to-face
communication has decreased significantly, and generation
Z has gotten used to this way of communication from the
beginning; it has led to an increase in individualism and a
decrease in group activities. (Rainie & Wellman, 2012).
Research has also shown that this leads to disruption in the
development of communication skills in children of this
generation (Turner, 2015).
Media and communication explosion have contributed to
increasing multiple activities simultaneously instead of
focusing on one activity. As a result, instead of focusing on
one thing, people are constantly able to focus incompletely
on several subjects. One of the negative results of this
phenomenon can cause people to be practically not involved
in anything and do nothing and only try to follow everything
while doing nothing, which is a very stressful and inefficient
process (Firat, 2013). Also, one of the phenomena this
generation faces has been called "absent presence". This
term means that a person is present in a place while his social
attention and communication focus is not related to that
place and is somewhere else (Rainie & Wellman, 2012).
According to the said content, it is important to consider
culture in intergenerational differences. Since there is a lack
of research in identifying the factors and causes of
differences between generations in Iran, and the studies
conducted, have often only considered its sociological
aspects, in addition to the fact that such a study is necessary
for every society and has undeniable importance. The
purpose of the current research was to analyze the causes and
factors of the difference between the girls of generation Z
and the previous generations in Iran from the perspective of
social psychology.
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2 Methods
2.1 Study design and Participant
The current research was qualitative research in which the
grounded theory was used. Semi-structured interviews and
library studies were used to collect qualitative data. For this
purpose, a part of the qualitative data from the existing
research background, from the articles and books available
internally (such as MAGIRAN, Noormags, SID and
CIVILICA) and foreign (such as Google scholar, Pubmed,
Sciencedirect, etc.) databases and citations were used. In
order to collect data through interviews, the statistical
population of this study was divided into two categories. The
first group was the specialists and experts of this field, and
Generation Z of Tehran formed the second group. The
available method was used for sampling. The interviews
were first conducted with the generation Z sample, and the
sample size was determined based on theoretical saturation.
Based on this, the sample size of generation Z was
determined to be 23 people. Then interviews were conducted
with professors of psychology and sociology, which ended
after 6 interviews based on theoretical saturation. It should
be noted that 10 professors and experts confirmed the face
and content validity of the interview questions.
2.2 Measurements
Semi-structured interview was used to collect data.
2.2.1 Semi-structured interview
One of the data collection tools in qualitative research is
the interview. The semi-structured interview includes open
questions about the research topic. In a semi-structured
interview, questions are included with a focus on the topic to
be covered, and the interview process and answers are
different for each individual. This tool provides the
possibility to contact the interviewee, and with its help, one
can understand the in-depth evaluation of the interviewees'
perceptions, attitudes, and opinions.
2.3 Data Analysis
The qualitative data were analysed using grounded theory
method.
3 Findings and Results
In order to analyze qualitative data using grounded
theory, coding was done in three stages: open coding, central
coding and selective coding. All mentioned categories and
concepts were examined in the open coding stage and no
core or core categories were analyzed. In the following, the
process of open coding was such that after examining the
qualitative data, tagging expressions, concepts and
keywords was done in order to extract categories. Axial
coding is done to categorize the categories. This stage aims
to establish a relationship between the categories extracted
from the open coding stage. After extracting the core
categories, selective coding is used to extract core or main
categories. The Table 1 reports the categories extracted
through open coding, axial coding and selective coding (See
Table 1).
Table 1
Open, axial and selective coding of qualitative data
category (selectiveCore or main
coding(
Axial category (axial coding)
Components (open coding)
Underlying causes
Technology
Exposure to technology from birth
Ease of communication with the whole world
Easy access to a wide range of information
social contagion through technologyHigh
Getting information from various sources instead of reliable sources
Media
Information bombardment
Video games
Audio, video and text media
News media
Social networks and messengers
Sociocultural
Failure to adopt and internalize values through previous generations
Lack of socialization based on Iranian values and norms
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The existence of subcultures specific to the Z generation
Feminist movements
Cultural influence
influence and involvement of parents in children's socializationLow
Generation disjunction
Verbal
Lack of intergenerational mutual verbal understanding
Using different literature and vocabulary compared to previous
generations
intangible words for previous generationsUsing new
Life style
Orientation to western lifestyle
based lifestyle-Technology
Change in sources of pleasure and entertainment
Sociocultural
Isolated groups and subcultures
intergenerational communication in isolation from societyGroup and
Individual and internal factors
Personality and behavior
Impulsiveness
Independence
regulation-Low self
Low social participation
Psychological
External motivation
awareness towards personal values and identity-Low self
High Affectability
Thoughts attitude, beliefs
)cognitive(
Being empty of meaning and absurdity
Superficial thinking and not going deep
values and traditional normsNegative attitude towards any traditions,
Sexist attitude towards social structure and resources
Sexist attitude and bias towards marriage
3.1 Underlying causes"
After the end of the coding process, the first core category
was contextual causes. This category refers to the factors that
have prepared the conditions and platform for the emergence
of inter-generational differences. Data analysis based on
axial coding shows that the core category of underlying
causes includes three core categories: 1) technology, 2)
media, and 3) socio-cultural factors.
3.1.1 Technology
Axial coding showed that the sub-category of technology
is placed in the core category of underlying causes; This
means that technology can provide a platform for the
formation of intergenerational differences. Also, based on
open coding, this central category includes 5 components,
which are: 1) exposure to technology from birth 2) ease of
communication with the whole world 3) easy access to a
wide range of information 4) high social contagion of
Through technology 5) receiving information from various
sources instead of reliable sources.
3.1.1.1 Exposure to technology from birth
This component was proposed based on the background
of the research, which was also mentioned in some
interviews. As it was mentioned in the introduction, one of
the aspects of distinguishing generation Z from the previous
generations is that they do not experience life without
technology. This issue creates a major difference between
the context in which the Z generation grows and the context
in which the previous generations grew up. In other words,
since people are influenced by the environment in their
growth process, this issue causes undeniable and
unavoidable effects on the next generation.
3.1.1.2 Ease of communication with the whole world
One of the components that was achieved according to
open coding was the ease of communication with the whole
world. This component shows that one of the underlying
causes that caused the difference between generation Z girls
and women of previous generations is the advancement of
technology and the ability to make easy contact with all the
people of the world. This component shows that Generation
Z deals with cultural exchanges in relation to different
people from an early age. Due to the fact that this happens in
the socialization process of generation Z, it can be mentioned
as one of the underlying causes that caused intergenerational
differences.
3.1.1.3 Easy access to a wide range of information
Since childhood, generation Z has access to data that
previous generations could not easily access. For example,
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as mentioned in the introduction, this generation can get
information about anything through the Internet. Having this
information can be considered as a component of the
underlying causes of differences between contexts that
happen at the same time as acquiring values and norms and
internalizing them. Since generation Z acquires this
information especially at the age of puberty and intellectual
development, it is certainly influential in the formation of his
personality and leads to the emergence of inter-generational
differences.
3.1.1.4 High social contagion through technology
This component was extracted based on the theory of
social contagion and was also mentioned in the interview of
one of the experts. Technology, especially social networks
and messengers, is a new platform where social contagion
can take place.
3.1.1.5 Getting information from various sources instead
of reliable sources
In the past, the main source of scientific information was
authentic books and articles, but today, various data are
provided on the internet, many of which are unreal or
distorted. In addition, access to this information is very easy,
and this ease makes the new generation get their information
from different sources instead of reliable sources. This
phenomenon, which was created due to the existence of
technology, causes a conflict between the information of the
z generation and the previous generations. In other words,
receiving information from various sources instead of
reliable sources causes inter-generational differences.
3.2 Media
The media can be considered as one of the underlying
causes because the quality and quantity of the media and
their influence on the people have changed compared to the
past. This central category includes five components as
follows: 1) information bombardment 2) video games 3)
audio, video and text media 4) news media 5) social
networks and messengers.
3.2.1 Information bombardment
The huge amount of media has caused information
bombardment, so that people are exposed to the data
broadcast by the media during the day whether they like it or
not. In addition, generation z themselves are more exposed
to multiple media. Therefore, more than others are affected
by this information bombardment. In addition, this
phenomenon has an indirect effect on generation z, so that it
disturbs people's senses and concentration. It also takes away
the opportunity to verify this information from people.
Considering that generation z is more exposed to
information bombardment and that the age of this generation
requires higher impressionability, information bombardment
can be seen as one of the underlying conditions for
generational differences.
3.2.2 Video games
Video games were found in both the interviews and
background research. Based on the interviews, the content of
video games directly affects the personality and cognition of
children and adolescents, which the analysis based on the
central coding placed it in the central category of media from
the main category of underlying causes.
3.2.3 Audio, video and text media
Audio, video and text media are the core components of
the core category of media. Part of the use of these media
can be seen in all generations, but generation z is different in
both the amount of use and the variety of its use. It should
be noted that the content of these media is also related to
values and norms, and this can be effective in the growth of
generation z. Therefore, it can be mentioned as one of the
underlying causes.
3.2.4 News media
The news media has an impact on the lives of all people
by publishing sometimes contradictory information. The
difference between this generation and the previous
generation is that generation z follows all kinds of news
media from different cultures and countries since childhood,
which is influential in the socialization of this generation.
Therefore, news media can be considered as one of the
underlying causes of inter-generational differences.
3.2.5 Social networks and messengers
Social networks and messengers as media have a
prominent role in the life of generation z. These people can
easily exchange their information and culture in this way and
get to know different cultures from a young age. This itself
leads to generational differences as a background cause.
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3.3 The socio-cultural factors
This central category, as a category of underlying causes,
refers to cultural and social factors that have provided the
conditions and platform for generational differences. Axial
and open coding finally yields 6 components of this
category, which are: 1) lack of adoption and internalization
of values through previous generations 2) lack of
socialization based on Iranian values and norms 3) existence
of specific subcultures generation z 4) feminist movements
5) cultural influence 6) influence and low involvement of
parents in children's socialization.
3.3.1.1 Failure to adopt and internalize values through
previous generations
This component shows that the z generation does not take
its values from its past generations. This factor causes
cultural and especially value differences between the z
generation and other generations. Therefore, it is mentioned
as a component of socio-cultural underlying causes.
3.3.1.2 The existence of subcultures specific to the z
generation
The developments in the world have made the z
generation capable of creating wide and diverse subcultures.
Since becoming a member of these subcultures has a direct
effect on the formation of personality and socialization of
people in the z generation, it is one of the underlying causes
of intergenerational differences.
3.3.1.3 Feminist movements
The interviewees mentioned the spread of feminist
movements as one of the factors that make Iran's generation
z girls different from other generations. The ideas presented
by these movements are generally extreme and are in
conflict with the culture of Iranian society and past
generations. Nevertheless, generation z has been influenced
by these ideas and feminist movements are one of the
underlying socio-cultural causes of inter-generational
differences.
3.3.1.4 Cultural influence
Cultural influence is one of the issues that developing
countries like Iran are dealing with. This issue especially
targets the current generation, i.e. Generation z, and
considering the existing and powerful tools for exerting
cultural influence, it can be considered as one of the
underlying causes of intergenerational differences.
3.3.1.5 Low influence and involvement of parents in
children's socialization
Based on the qualitative data obtained from the
interviews, after coding and analyzing the data, it can be seen
that parents are less involved in the socialization process of
generation z than in the past. On the other hand, the family
is one of the most important institutions for children's
socialization, and weakness in this institution leads to
intergenerational differences. In addition to the parents, this
weakness is also rooted in the children's attitude towards the
family.
3.3.2 Generational disjunction
Disjunction was a concept that was obtained in this
research after the coding process. In other words,
generational disjunction as a main category in the factors of
generational differences states that the different behaviors
and the different society that makes the two generations
different on the surface, if it creates a separation and break
between the generations, it can lead to the occurrence of
much deeper gaps and differences. Be made in other words,
“generational disjunction “expresses how the differences
themselves can create and strengthen intergenerational
differences. On the other hand, generational disjunction
refers to the fact that the members of the z generation are
separated from the previous generations, causing differences
and other differences. In this research, axial coding showed
that the core category of “generational disjunction “consists
of three core categories, which are: 1) verbal, 2) lifestyle, 3)
socio-cultural.
3.3.2.1 Verbal
The verbal category expresses that linguistic and verbal
differences between generations are one of the factors that
cause intergenerational differences. This central category
includes 3 components: 1) lack of mutual verbal
understanding between generations 2) use of different
literature and vocabulary compared to previous generations
3) use of new intangible vocabulary for previous
generations.
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3.3.2.2 Lack of intergenerational mutual verbal
understanding
This component indicates that the lack of mutual verbal
understanding causes distance between members of
generation z and other generations. This distance and
separation weakens the power of cultural transmission from
the previous generation to the new generation. Therefore, the
lack of mutual verbal understanding is a factor that validates
the cross-cultural difference.
3.3.2.3 Using different literature and vocabulary
compared to previous generations
When a generation uses different literature and
vocabulary, it gradually distances itself from society and
other generations and moves towards isolation. In addition,
the members of the generation have the ability to
communicate better with each other, and this distance
increases until it reaches high levels of generational
disjunction. Finally, it is in this way that the use of different
literature and vocabulary creates profound intergenerational
differences.
3.3.2.4 Using new intangible vocabulary for previous
generations
Generation z creates new vocabulary on a daily basis that
is made by this generation and is popular in social groups
and subcultures specific to this. This daily and constant use
of such words and terms makes this generation separated
from others and can hardly communicate with others outside
of themselves. Therefore, this component causes more
cultural differences to emerge.
3.3.3 Lifestyle
Lifestyle as a central category of generational disjunction
means that having a different lifestyle can cause separation
and create a gap between generations. In this way, the
differences between generations also increase. Qualitative
data analysis showed that this category consists of the
following components: 1) trend towards western lifestyle 2)
technology-based lifestyle 3) change in sources of pleasure.
3.3.3.1 Orientation to western lifestyle
Generation z in Iran is influenced by the western culture
and has become oriented towards the western lifestyle. In
this regard, the adoption of such a lifestyle has increased the
distance between this generation and the previous
generations, and this distance has led to being less exposed
to their culture. In this way, the western lifestyle causes
generational differences by creating disjunction.
3.3.3.2 Technology-based lifestyle
Everyday use and dependence on technology in life has
made the lifestyle of generation z intertwined with
technology. This tension pushes them more towards the
virtual world and separates them from society. This
separation and distancing from the society directly affects
the socialization of the next generation and causes
generational differences.
3.3.3.3 Change in sources of pleasure and entertainment
Generation z has very different entertainments from
previous generations and their sources of pleasure are also
different. These changes in entertainment and sources of
pleasure are only possible with other members of this
generation and earlier generations are less involved. This
phenomenon leads to the separation of generation z from the
society and other generations, which ultimately causes more
generational differences.
3.3.4 Socio-cultural
The socio-cultural category as a central category of
generational disjunction expresses the social and cultural
components that separate this generation from the others and
thus caused intergenerational differences. This central
category consists of the following two components: 1)
isolated groups and subcultures 2) group and
intergenerational communication in isolation from society.
3.3.4.1 Isolated groups and subcultures
The existence of groups and subcultures that continue to
work without the need to communicate with members of
other generations and other people in society and fulfills the
social needs of this generation. This phenomenon causes this
generation to distance itself more and more from the society,
and as it was said, this disjunction reduces the possibility of
being influenced by the previous generations. Therefore, it
causes more generational differences.
3.3.4.2 Group and intergenerational communication in
isolation from society
This component is related to the previous component. The
existence of such groups creates connections within a
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generation that intensify this interaction of cultural
exchange. These cultural exchanges, taking into account
technology and the ease of communication regardless of
location, make this generation more similar to each other
around the world and become more distant from others. So
that it can be said that the culture of this generation is very
similar in the world and the culture of the country they live
in has had less impact on them than intra-generational
cultural exchange.
3.4 Individual and internal factors
The analysis of qualitative data and a look at the
background of the research indicated that the differences
between generations can be rooted in the individual and
internal factors of the members of this generation. The
extracted core categories of this core category are: 1)
personality and behavior 2) psychological 3) thoughts,
attitude and beliefs (cognitive).
3.4.1 Personality and behavior
The category of personality and behavior expresses the
dimensions and characteristics of personality and behavior
of the generation that causes cultural and social differences
between generations. This category consists of 4
components, which are: 1) impulsivity 2) independence 3)
low self-regulation 4) low social participation.
3.4.1.1 Impulsiveness
The background of the research and interviews indicated
that one of the factors that make the culture of this generation
different from others is their high impulsiveness. This
feature causes impulsive reactions and decisions throughout
life, especially during puberty. In addition, this feature can
be influential in important decisions.
3.4.1.2 Independence
Generation z's independence has made them want to be
different from other generations more. Therefore, it can
increase generational differences.
3.4.1.3 Low self-regulation
Low self-regulation was expressed as a characteristic of
this generation in the interviews, which can be a factor in the
cultural differences between generation z and other
generations. When self-regulation is low, an obstacle is
created in the process of internalizing values and
socialization, which itself can lead to more generational
differences.
3.4.1.4 Low social participation
Low social participation due to the fact that Iran is a
collectivist society causes more differences in
intergenerational values and norms.
3.4.2 Psychological
The central category of psychological factors indicates
the psychological characteristics of generation z, which
leads to cultural differences between generations. This
category consists of the following 3 components: 1) external
motivation 2) low self-awareness towards values and
personal identity 3) high affectability.
3.4.2.1 External motivation
The research background and the qualitative data
obtained from the interviews showed that the motivations of
generation z are more external than internal. This is while
the sources of motivation of the previous generations were
more internal. On the other hand, external motivations are
not only from the surrounding physical environment, and the
advancement of technology has made it go beyond the
country's borders and culture. In this way, external
motivation can create cultural differences between
generations.
3.4.2.2 Low self-awareness towards values and personal
identity
Qualitative data indicated that this generation has low
self-awareness regarding values and personal identity. In this
way, this lack of awareness directly affects the value system
and causes cultural differences between generations.
3.4.2.3 High affectability
High affectability was considered as a psychological
component based on the coding done. Due to the
bombardment of information and the existence of the media
as well as widespread communication, this influence can
cause more and more cultural differences between the z
generation and other generations.
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3.4.3 Thoughts, attitude and beliefs (cognitive)
This central category, which includes individual
cognitive factors, expresses the thinking, attitude and beliefs
of the next generation, which leads to the emergence of
cultural differences between generations. The components
of this central category are: 1) being empty of meaning and
nihilism 2) thinking on the surface and not going deep 3)
negative attitude towards any tradition, value and norms of
tradition 4) gender attitude 5) attitude and bias towards
marriage.
3.4.3.1 Being empty of meaning and absurdity
As mentioned in the introduction, this generation has
distanced itself from giving meaning to life and is moving
towards nihilism, which is a factor in the cultural differences
between generations.
3.4.3.2 Superficial thinking and not going deep
One of the characteristics of this generation in the
background of research and interviews was superficial
thinking and not going deep in philosophical issues and
important life issues. This feature gives the individual the
opportunity to carefully analyze issues before internalizing
anything and acknowledges cultural differences.
3.4.3.3 Negative attitude towards any traditions, values
and traditional norms
The negative attitude towards any traditions, values and
traditional norms has created an anti-value and anti-norm
spirit in this generation. It can be said that this generation
gains its value and identity from the struggle with old values,
which is the basis of cultural differences between
generations.
3.4.3.4 Gendered attitude toward social structure and
resources
Based on the interviews, it can be seen that generation z
girls deal with gender bias toward social relations and
societal structures. In such a way that in his point of view, to
analyze the issues in an illogical way, he also includes
gender, and this is institutionalized in their value system and
causes differences and cultural and value differences
between generations.
3.4.3.5 Sexist attitudes and bias toward marriage
It seems that Generation Z attitude towards the issue of
gender equality has taken on the aspect of bias and prejudice,
and this issue is more prominent in the case of marriage than
other issues, which in the case of Iran is in conflict with the
existing culture and values. Thus, this gendered attitude and
bias towards marriage creates intergenerational cultural
differences between the girls of the generation and the
women of the previous generations.
4 Discussion and Conclusion
This research aims to analyze the causes and factors of
the difference between the girls of the new generation and
the previous generations in Iran from the perspective of
social psychology. Done. Data analysis showed that these
factors could be categorized into underlying causes,
generational disjunction, and individual and internal factors.
The findings of this research are consistent with the results
of some past studies (Bibi Razeghi Nasrabad &
Fallahnezhad, 2018; Campbell et al., 2015; Esmaalizade &
Rahmani, 2015; Firat, 2013; Inglehart & Welzel, 2005;
Jahanbakhsh, 2016; Mokrý et al., 2016; Palley, 2012;
Prensky, 2001; Shabaniminaabad, 2020; Turkle, 2011;
Turner, 2015; Twenge, Campbell, & Freeman, 2012).
The first core or main category from the data analysis was
underlying causes. Underlying causes express the conditions
and contexts that caused the differences between the girls of
generation Z and the previous generations in Iran. The
underlying causes are divided into three categories: 1)
technology, 2) media and 3) socio-cultural factors.
Technology as a central category includes the following
components: 1) exposure to technology from birth 2) ease of
communication with the whole world 3) easy access to a
wide range of information 4) contagion High society through
technology 5) in the loss of information from various sources
instead of reliable sources. In general, it can be seen that the
existence of technology and extensive developments in this
field affect the life of this generation from the moment they
are born (Prensky, 2001). Generation Z girls are able to
communicate with the whole world through technology and
can receive extensive information from various sources.
Also, this phenomenon causes the formation of a huge
communication network of Generation Z worldwide, which
provides the basis for social contagion (Turner, 2015). The
media itself consists of 5 components: 1) information
bombardment 2) video games 3) audio, visual and text media
4) news media 5) social networks and messengers. In fact,
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each of these components has messages in its core that
effectively form the values and norms of the Z generation.
Since this generation is exposed to the media and
information bombardment during its socialization, the media
can be considered one of the underlying causes of
intergenerational differences among Iranian girls and
women (Kanani, Mousavi, & Beygzadeh, 2019). Socio-
cultural factors as underlying causes include 6 components:
1) lack of adoption and internalization of values through
previous generations 2) lack of social acceptance based on
Iranian values and norms 3) existence of small Cultures
specific to generation Z 4) Feminist movements 5) Influence
of culture 6) Influence and low involvement of parents in
children 's social acceptance. These six components include
things that have changed the background of the socialization
process in a way that has led to cultural differences between
the girls of the Z generation and the previous generations in
Iran (Jahanbakhsh, 2016). The results showed that Iranian Z-
generation girls are less influenced by Iranian culture and
their parents during socialization. Also, the existence of
cultural movements contrary to Iranian culture, especially
feminist movements, and cultural influence are effective in
this field. One of the important results obtained was the
existence of subcultures specific to generation Z. This
phenomenon makes the Z generation play a role in forming
the values and norms that it internalizes.
The second core or main category obtained from the
qualitative data was generational disjunction. The
components of this category are divided into three parts: 1)
speech, 2) lifestyle, 3) sociocultural. Generational
disjunction is one of the important and new results obtained
in this research. This concept refers to the fact that the gaps
and separations between the generation and others cause the
emergence or strengthening of intergenerational differences.
It also shows that inter-generational differences can become
a factor in the emergence or increase of differences. In other
words, the distance and separation between generations
destroys the possibility of transferring values, norms, and
culture in general from previous generations to the next
generation. The first central category, "verbal” Includes
three components: 1) lack of mutual understanding between
generations 2) use of different literature and vocabulary
compared to previous generations 3) use of new and
intangible words for Previous generations. Under the
influence of technology and the ease of communicating with
different cultures at a young age, Generation Z has many
differences from its previous generations in terms of
language, so that it affects mutual understanding and
communication with others (Esmaalizade & Rahmani, 2015;
Shabaniminaabad, 2020). When this phenomenon
intensifies, the generations become more distant from each
other and the possibility of transferring culture from the old
generations to the next generation decreases. Another central
category is lifestyle, which includes the following
components: 1) Western lifestyle orientation 2) Technology-
based lifestyle 3) Change in sources of pleasure. This
category and its components indicate that the lifestyle of the
new generation has created a gap between the members of
this generation and the previous generations of Iran. This
distance is such that it can be said that joint activities
between generation Z and others have been minimized and
this can intensify and increase the differences between
generations. The socio-cultural core category of the main
category of cultural disjunction also includes two
components: 1) groups and subcultures or 2) group and
intergenerational communication in isolation from society.
These components cannot be included in the underlying
causes of intergenerational differences. Due to the fact that
generation Z has a very large population, it can form groups
and subcultures that include the large population itself. In
addition, this population enables Generation Z to establish
numerous intra-and inter-group communications. This issue
can cause this generation to understand the social support
and high social bond that is obtained from the members of
the same generation and not the whole society.
The last main category is called "individual and internal
factors". The components of this main category include the
individual and internal characteristics of generation Z, which
cause the emergence or strengthening of inter-generational
differences. Individual and internal factors are divided into
three main categories: 1) personality and behavior 2)
psychology 3) thoughts, attitude and beliefs (cognition). The
first central category includes four components: 1)
isolationism 2) independence seeking 3) low self-regulation
4) low social participation. The second central category
includes three components: 1) external motivation, 2) low
self-awareness towards values and personal identity, 3) high
emotional influence. Finally, the last central category
includes 5 components: 1) Being empty of meaning and
nihilism 2) Thinking on the surface and not going deep 3)
Negative attitude towards any traditions, values and norms
of tradition 4) Attitude Gendered towards social structure
and resources 5) Gendered attitude and bias towards
marriage. In general, it can be said that individual and
internal factors include individual differences in terms of
personality, psychology and cognition between the girls of
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generation Z and previous generations, which leads to
cultural differences. Generation Z is more influential than
others and their main source of motivation is external. This
generation tends to think superficially instead of deep and
meaningful thinking and shows resistance to old traditions
and cultures. Among the results, the gendered attitude of
generation Z girls was one of the interesting findings of this
research. The findings indicated that Generation Z girls have
a biased view of gender instead of adopting an attitude based
on gender equality. In the description of these findings, it can
be said that this generation tends to analyze issues
emphasizing gender. Such an attitude directly affects the
values and culture of Z generation girls and has caused inter-
generational differences.
5 Limitations
Every research has limitations and this research is no
exception to this rule. Among these limitations, we can
mention the quality of the research data and the statistical
population under study. Therefore, in order to generalize the
findings of the research, caution should be observed. In
addition, more research is needed in this field to confirm or
reject the findings.
Acknowledgments
The cooperation of all participants in the research is
thanked and appreciated.
Declaration of Interest
The authors of this article declared no conflict of interest.
Ethics principles
In this research, ethical standards including obtaining
informed consent, ensuring privacy and confidentiality were
observed.
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