Role of Cultural Capital and Cultural Reproduction on Youth Development in India: A Generational Perspective

Abstract

The present study endeavored to understand the perceptions of Indian older adults (age 60 and above) from urban centres of New Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai, about the state of youth development in India through applying a generational perspective. Drawing from our understanding of Bourdieu’s concept of cultural reproduction of values, the study explored older adults’ thoughts about the current state of Indian youth concerning their civic participation and contribution to the development of Indian society. Additionally, it sought to find familial roles that the elderly would like to undertake to support their younger family members. Thematic analysis revealed that the older adults in this study perceive that youths are not completely engaged in positive youth development and need to contribute more towards their civic societies. Additionally, the older adults expressed their interest in occupying the role of secondary socializing agents in the family due to their perceived intergenerational differences with youth.