Intergenerational Communication: The Meaning of Communication Channels and Their Affordances

ABSTRACT

Based on the Relational Dialectics Theory 2.0 and the concept of affordances, this study examined the competing discourses that animate the meaning of intergenerational communication among Israeli women. Three generations of women from nine families were interviewed about their perceptions and use of multiple channels–face-to-face communication, mobile phone calls, and WhatsApp chats–to communicate with each other. A contrapuntal analysis revealed two competing discourses: The central discourse of intergenerational communication as connectedness (DICC) and the marginal discourse of intergenerational communication as a disruptor (DICD). The subthemes exhibited in the DICC were the need for closeness, the expectation of openness, and the means for resolving any conflictual issues. The DICD revealed the disappointments associated with intergenerational communication and different expectations regarding the frequency of communication and how various communication channels are used.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. The first set of eight questions is posed to the whole family: “Please describe your family,” “How would you describe your relationship with your family members in general?” “Are the relationships with your family members important to you? In what way? What are the ways in which that importance is reflected?” “What is the frequency of your family meetings? Where are the meetings usually held?” “Is the current frequency satisfactory, or would you like to meet less or more frequently?” “Do you feel active or passive in maintaining the relationship? Could you explain how this is reflected?” “Do you have a special relationship with one member of your family? With whom? Would you be able to describe the relationship in a few words?” “How are communications handled? Which tools or platforms are used?”.

2. The second set consisted of eight questions regarding the generational relationship. We asked each question twice, examining each generation in turn: “Describe the relationship you have with your mother/daughter/granddaughter,” “How important is communication with her to you?” “Are there any expectations you have regarding how you communicate with her? Can you tell me what they are?” “What do you feel you receive/earn from the relationship?” “What do you feel you can offer/contribute?” “Do you feel a commitment to her? How is it expressed?” “Are you expecting anything in return?” “If you imagine an axis with independence on the left and dependance on the right, where would you place the relationship (between you)?”.

3. In the third set, we asked thirteen questions regarding communication channel use: “What means do you use to communicate? (Face-to-face, phone calls, WhatsApp, Facebook, Skype),” “How often this platform is used for communication?” “Are there any specific subjects or topics you discuss in each platform?” “Are there are any topics you would prefer not to discuss with her on this platform?” “What are the advantages of this type of communication?” “Are there any disadvantages to it?” “What type of communication is most comfortable for you? Why?” “Do you have the same expectations about the way and frequency of communication? Describe the disparities and mutual understandings,” “Are you expecting her to contact you, or are you initiating contact?” “How would you place yourself in a three-way communication with … and … ? What are your thoughts on that?” “Is there communication between you three? Or the communication between you three limited to the family forum? What platform does that occur on?” “Would you be able to describe a difficulty or conflict you had with your mother/daughter/granddaughter? – A. Did it affect you in any way? B. Did the platform or frequency change? C. Has the conflict been resolved? How? D. Did you find it satisfactory, or did you expect a different process? E. Did one side dominate the other? Is there a reason for that? F. Was your relationship strengthened or weakened by this experience?” “When you have a sad moment/event, do you tend to share it with your mother/daughter/granddaughter? Could you give an example? – A. What was the reason for sharing? B. With her specifically? C. Can you tell me what form of communication you prefer for sharing? Why? D. What was your expectation of her reaction? E. Did you find her response satisfactory? F. How did sharing help you cope with the difficulty? G. When you share next time, would you prefer to share with a close friend or family member?” The last question was: “Would you be able to tell me if you have gained any new insights into your communication with your mother/daughter/granddaughter? How would you summarize our conversation?”.