As new generations emerge and take center stage, societal norms naturally evolve, sometimes shifting dramatically. With rapid technological advancements and the lasting effects of global events like the recent pandemic, we are on the brink of significant changes in how we live and interact. This article explores a list of social norms that are likely to fade away in the coming years as society continues to transform.
Privacy Norms for Sharing Personal Information
The boundaries of what is considered too much information (TMI) to share publicly are shifting, with younger generations being more open online. People don’t feel shame or pressure to not share what is going on in their lives, even if it was once a taboo topic like mental health issues, infertility, or salary in the workplace.
Traditional Educational Pathways
“Amid the heightened demand for workers, rising cost of tuition, and growing student loan burden, more would-be students are choosing career-connected pathways over (traditional universities),” according to CNBC. Universities aren’t the only “acceptable” option after high school anymore. Alternative education and career paths, such as coding boot camps, apprenticeships, and online courses, may become more normalized.
Single-Career Expectations
The Baby Boomer generation took pride in their loyalty to one company; they may have worked for two or maybe three through the course of their career but found one and chose to rise through the ranks there. Now, not only do people not stick with one company over time, but the idea of having one career for life is becoming less common as individuals are likely to change careers multiple times.
Linear Life Progression (Education, Career, Retirement)
People used to graduate high school, go to college, start their careers, get married, have kids, and eventually retire. Today’s generations are feeling less locked into the linear concept of life and realizing there is no timeline. Non-linear life paths, including career breaks and late education, may become more accepted because of the current generation.
Heteronormativity
In the not-so-distant past, people were scared to come out of the closet for social and legal reasons. NBC News now reports that about 30% of Gen Z adults identify as LGBTQ+. “The report found 72% of Gen Z adults identified as straight, 15% as bisexual, 5% as gay or lesbian, and 8% as something else.” Acceptance of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities is likely to increase, challenging heteronormative assumptions.
Marriage and Family Structure Norms
In the past, everyone wanted to have a white picket fence with two kids, a dog, and, of course, a spouse. Howeverrr, Millennials and Gen Z are changing what that dream looks like by opting to get married and have kids later in life, or not at all. Having a child alone, either intentionally or not, is also commonplace. The traditional family structure may not be the norm within a decade, giving people space to decide what a family looks like to them.
Taboos Around Discussing Salaries
Bosses would love for their employees not to discuss salary amongst themselves, and some even try to make it against office rules, but banning it is illegal. Open discussions about compensation are becoming more common, driven by transparency and equality movements.
Formality in Communication
To whom it may concern, formal communication has left the office. The trend toward informality in both written and spoken communication, due to digital communication tools, is expected to continue. Quick email responses no longer have the formality of an official memo or even a letter, with people being more likely to communicate the same inside and outside the office.
Consumption-Based Success Metrics
As awareness of environmental issues grows, societal measures of success may shift away from material wealth. This is why we see less of the younger generation focused on McMansions, status vehicles, and owning a lot of things. Success is now measured in time and financial freedom, while people focus on experience over things.
Automobile Ownership as a Status Symbol
Modern Gentleman says people see cars as a tool more than a status symbol, saying, “Many people now prioritize cars for their practicality, prioritizing fuel efficiency, reliability, and affordability instead of luxury or status.” Also, with the rise of shared mobility and environmental concerns, owning a car may become less of the norm.
Gendered Clothing and Toys for Children
As society moves toward greater gender inclusivity, some people are moving toward gender-neutral items for their children. People are hoping for a move toward norms around gender-specific products for kids fading so they can “decide what is normal for them.”
The Expectation of Immediate Response to Communication
When cell phones became people’s main form of communication, the expectation for immediate responses rapidly increased. As more people start turning toward screen detoxes, we may see a return to people getting back to us on their own time.
Perception of Remote Work as Less Professional
The legitimacy and professionalism of remote work are likely to be increasingly recognized. Thanks to the majority of workers being remote during the pandemic, people and businesses have learned that people can be just as productive from home as they can from the office, lending more legitimacy to remote work full time.
Strict Office Dress Codes
Can you believe people used to wear a suit and tie to work every day? Then business casual became the trend up until the pandemic, when people worked remotely. Now the concept of even putting on pants seems difficult but necessary when leaving the house. The trend toward casual attire in the workplace is likely to continue, especially with the rise of remote work.
9-to-5 Work Hours
The 9–5 is only one option for work in the current environment. Flexible work schedules and remote work are becoming more common, even in more traditional work environments. And many people are choosing to participate in the gig economy, working jobs when they want, challenging the idea of what a career looks like in the future.
Gender-Specific Roles in Households and Workplaces
Gender Equality Seal says, “Gender social norms have changed in the past and continue to change due to innovations and policies.” As gender equality progresses, traditional roles based on gender are likely to continue to blur. One day, anyone will be able to be the homemaker or the breadwinner for their household.
Stigmatization of Mental Health Issues
People are finally speaking up about mental health issues. Whether it’s dealing with anxiety and depression or a more severe personality disorder, people aren’t shying away from letting others know, which also means more people are comfortable seeking help. With this increasing awareness and discussion, the stigma surrounding mental health is expected to decrease.