As I re-read Erik Erikson’s theory of psychological development, I can’t help but think about the differing generations in our current political system.
We have progressives, headlined by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, that represent the millennial generation. The first generation to grow up in the age of smartphones and technology (I consider anyone who hasn’t used a rotary phone as the official line between xennials and millennials).
The vast majority, as well as senior leadership in the House of Representatives and Senate, are baby boomers in their 60’s or 70’s. As expressed in The Intercept, their sterile, communication style is a bit out of date in our current 24/7 media climate where those that connect and evoke emotions, capture our attention and generate passion. Our current president is 72 and potential contenders in 2020 like Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden are 74 and 76, respectively. Even outside of the political world, elder generations are regularly criticizing younger members of Congress with ambiguous, loaded terminology.
A general description of Erikson’s theory of psychological development is detailed in the graphic below. The levels that particularly concern me are Level 7: Generativity vs. Stagnation and Level 8: Integrity vs. Despair. In Level 8, I consider whether members of Congress in their 60’s and 70’s, feel more despair than integrity about their actions. When you look at legislation recently passed or policies currently being pushed, does it really take into consideration of the majority of society, the “99%?” In the most recent Government shutdown, who is standing for old ideas (wall, anyone?) or pushing for innovative, technology-based solutions?
Psychosocial Crisis Basic Virtue Age
Trust vs. Mistrust Hope 0 - 1½
Autonomy vs. Shame Will 1½ - 3
Initiative vs. Guilt Purpose 3 - 5
Industry vs. Inferiority Competency 5 - 12
Identity vs. Role Confusion Fidelity 12 - 18
Intimacy vs. Isolation Love 18 - 40
Generativity vs. Stagnation Care 40 - 65
Ego Integrity vs. Despair Wisdom 65+
Level 7, Generativity vs. Stagnation, defines the development of care – care for others and the world around them – as successful development during this stage. Generativity, as Erikson defines, includes an interest to nurture the following generation and society in general. This definition closely aligns with popular modern leadership theories.
Where is the generativity? We currently see older generations usurping and clinging to power with the tips of their fingernails. Succession planning is abysmal and nepotism is everywhere. Criticism of young future generations is normative (and considered valid). Young people looking for opportunities are waiting for older generations to pass the torch, as opposed to older generations stepping up as mentors and providing a transition. Honoring meritocracy, a part of the American dream, is more the exception than the rule.
What could be the reasons that older generations are not developing care or demonstrating generativity? In the current toxic economic state of the middle class, many Americans live paycheck to paycheck let alone focus on their 401k. The current toxic capitalism that we are experiencing – a “zero sum game” where everyone tries to take all – only contributes to the issue. Why mentor or relinquish control when you’re just trying to survive and/or win?
Further, developing our youth’s capacities through education has become a limiting proposition with the rising cost of private education and the degradation of public schooling. While no statistics exist, it appears the older generations seem to prefer on building wealth by any means necessary in this toxic capitalistic environment to be able to not only provide for themselves, but for their future generations. Saturday Night Live sums it up (pretty hilariously) in this skit. You can catch the despair more than ego integrity in the skit, which is what makes it so funny (sadly?).
If a successful Level 7 – development of care – contributes to development at Level 8, I think the baby boomers in our senior leadership just might drown us in their despair.
Just so I’m not a debbie-downer (all respect to the awesome Debbie’s out there), there are examples of encouraging mentorship and new, creative leadership happening. Specifically, in the NFL (of all places). NFL coaches Rich McVay and Matt Nagy (widely considered to be announced 2018 Coach of the Year) are millennials and xennials who are not only demonstrating leadership, but changing the game with their success. Their coaching trees extend from former coaches who were known for their tutelage of younger players.
One of the wisest skills I’ve learned - and try to utilize - is to know when to step up and when to step back.
Who knew that stagnation of society vs. progress may depend on it?
Who better to lead progress than the one’s who will live and raise future generations in it?
