Generational Political Gaps at Family Gatherings: Bridging the Divide, Especially for the Young Neurodiverse

Wednesday, August 21, 2024.

As the upcoming election gets closer, you might notice a new dynamic emerging in your family gatherings—Generational Political Gaps.

It’s a situation many of us can relate to: younger and older family members clashing over political beliefs, turning what should be a warm, connecting time into something more tense and uncomfortable.

This divide can be particularly tricky when you throw in the mix of neurodiverse family members, whose perspectives and experiences might differ even more.

What Are Generational Political Gaps?

Let’s break it down.

Generational Political Gaps refer to the widening differences in political views between younger and older generations within families. Older generations, who grew up in a different social and economic climate, often hold more traditional or conservative views.

Meanwhile, younger generations, influenced by social media, digital activism, and progressive movements, may have a more liberal or radical outlook. These differences are becoming more pronounced, especially as the upcoming election brings these issues to the forefront.

How Do These Gaps Affect Family Gatherings?

Family gatherings are supposed to be a time for connection and bonding, but when political discussions arise, they can quickly turn into battlegrounds. Younger family members might feel frustrated or even alienated by what they see as outdated views, while older family members might feel disrespected or bewildered by the changes they see in the world. This dynamic can be particularly challenging when neurodiverse family members are involved.

For neurodiverse family members—whether they have autism, ADHD, or another neurodevelopmental condition—these conversations can be even more complex. Social cues, emotional regulation, and the ability to engage in nuanced discussion can all be areas of difficulty, making political debates even more stressful and potentially isolating.

Understanding the Young Neurodiverse in the Political Context

The young neurodiverse population is a unique group when it comes to political engagement. Research suggests that neurodiverse individuals, especially those with conditions like autism or ADHD, often approach politics differently.

They might be drawn to political movements that emphasize clear and concrete principles or justice, as these align with a strong sense of fairness and logic that many neurodiverse individuals have.

However, engaging in political action can be challenging for the neurodiverse.

Social anxiety, sensory sensitivities, and difficulty in navigating complex social environments can make traditional forms of political engagement, like rallies or debates, less accessible. On the other hand, the rise of digital activism has provided a new platform for these individuals to express their views and advocate for change in ways that feel more comfortable and manageable.

Is There Research on Political Action and the Young Neurodiverse?

Yes, there is a growing body of research exploring the intersection of neurodiversity and political action.

Studies have shown that neurodiverse folks, particularly those on the autism spectrum, may be more likely to engage in political causes that resonate with their sense of justice and fairness.

However, the nature of their involvement often differs from neurotypical peers.

For example, while they may not participate in large, loud protests, they might be more active in online communities or in advocating for specific issues like disability rights, where they feel their voice can have a direct impact.

In addition, research highlights that neurodiverse family members are often highly attuned to issues of social justice, which can drive their political engagement.

This can sometimes put them at odds with older family members who may not share the same intensity of feeling about these issues, further widening the Generational Political Gaps.

Bridging the Generational Political Divide

So, how do we navigate these Generational Political Gaps at family gatherings, especially when we have neurodiverse family members to consider?

Create a Safe Space for Dialogue: Encourage open, respectful conversations where everyone, including neurodiverse family members, feels heard. This means being patient and allowing for different communication styles.

Find Common Ground: Despite political differences, many families share core values, like the importance of family, love, and respect. Focusing on these can help bridge the divide.

Educate and Empathize: Help both younger and older generations understand each other's perspectives. For example, younger family members can benefit from learning about the historical context of older members’ views, while older members can gain insight into the social changes driving younger people’s beliefs.

Support Neurodiverse Family Members: Be mindful of the unique challenges your neurodiverse family members might face in political discussions. This could involve setting boundaries to prevent sensory overload or ensuring that discussions don’t become too heated.

Moving Forward as a Family

As we approach the upcoming election, it’s important to recognize that Generational Political Gaps are a natural part of family dynamics nowadays.

Let’s try to keep family first. Do your best to deal with these differences with understanding, patience, and a willingness to listen, we can keep our families connected—even when we don’t see eye to eye.

By being mindful of the needs and perspectives of neurodiverse family members, we can ensure that everyone has a voice in these important discussions. After all, the strength of a family lies not in its uniformity, but in its ability to embrace and respect its differences.

This post builds on the ideas discussed in the previous post about Political Echo Chambers at the Dinner Table and continues the conversation about how families can navigate the complex political landscape leading up to the election. We live in historic times. Keep family first.

In an upcoming post, I’ll discuss intergenerational repair attempts and lines of inquiry that can build family connection more concretely.

Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.

REFERENCES

Gadarian, S. K., & Albertson, B. (2014). Anxious politics: Democratic citizenship in a threatening world. Cambridge University Press.

Kalmoe, N. P., & Mason, L. (2019). Lethal mass partisanship: Prevalence, correlates, & electoral contingencies. Advances in Political Psychology, 40(S1), 117-150. https://doi.org/10.1111/pops.12511

Hibbing, J. R., Smith, K. B., & Alford, J. R. (2014). Predisposed: Liberals, conservatives, and the biology of political differences. Routledge.

Mason, L. (2018). Uncivil agreement: How politics became our identity. University of Chicago Press.

Lambert, A. J., et al. (2010). Affect and political attitudes: The case of disgust and politics. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 42, 1-53. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0065-2601(10)42001-3