Poll finds intergenerational solidarity in Taiwan

2014-08-29

Those aged under and over 40 recognize and respect one another’s qualities and winning traits, according to a survey on generation disparities published Aug. 28.

In terms of contentment, diligence, inclusiveness, innovation and responsibility, both age groups most commonly see eye to eye on inclusiveness, with weighted scoring averages of 5.2 and 5.8 points, respectively, on a scale of one to ten.

Innovation is the most significant personality trait of the younger generation, with 58 percent of the older generation supporting this viewpoint. At the same time, the under-40s praise the over-40s for being content, diligent and responsible, as reflected in the 61 percent, 78 percent and 73 percent approval ratings.

According to the poll conducted July 4-12 by local daily United Daily News, the age groups differ most dramatically in their assessments of the other generation’s attitude toward responsibility. Those over 40 are generally deemed responsible by those under 40. But this is not reciprocated, with 69 percent of the former describing the latter as lacking responsibility.

A respect for law and order, social parity and reaping what one sows were identified by the survey as common values for the age groups. Both the under- and over-40s consider wealth inequality the most pressing issue facing Taiwan.

The telephone poll involved 2,465 randomly respondents aged 18-65. It has a confidence level of 95 percent and a margin of error at plus or minus 2 percent.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=221130&CtNode=413)