The Generational Fallacy and the Illusion of Form: Understanding Youth Uprisings in Kenya
As the streets of Nairobi recently filled with passionate young demonstrators rallying against the 2024 Finance Bill #OccupyEverywhere , the unrest brought to light deeper, more complex issues at play. The perception that these protests are simply the actions of a Generation Z is a narrow view. Instead, we must examine the underlying causes of these uprisings and understand them within a broader historical and global context. I have written in the recent past about the Generational Tapestry: Kenya's intergenerational Path to Democracy where I examined the historical play of each generation at it's youth in the pursuit for good governance. In this article I intend to dissect the reasons behind such protests, questioning whether they stem from generational differences or more systemic issues of transparency and accountability in governance.
Generational Perspectives and the Myth of Difference
The debate around generational differences is extensive and often polarizing. Jean Twenge, in her article "The Real Truth About Generational Differences ," argues that generations do exist and that they have distinct attitudes, behaviors, values, and traits. She references hundreds of social science studies documenting these differences, suggesting that when you were born significantly impacts your outlook on life.
Contrarily, other scholars argue that the perceived generational differences are exaggerated. Eden King and colleagues, in their piece "Generational Differences at Work Are Small ," suggest that the actual differences between generations are minimal. They argue that much of what we attribute to generational behavior is more accurately the result of socio-economic and cultural factors. Their research indicates that stereotyping based on generational assumptions can lead to miscommunication and conflict in workplaces, reinforcing artificial divides rather than addressing the root issues.
Youth Uprisings: Historical and Contemporary Contexts
The recent protests in Kenya mirror a global pattern of youth-led movements against perceived injustices and governance failures. Historically, youth have always been at the forefront of social and political change. The Soweto Uprising in South Africa in 1976, the #EndSARS movement in Nigeria in 2020, and the Arab Spring uprisings of 2011 all exemplify the pivotal role young people play in challenging the status quo. I made my discourse on this matter in detail in my previous article - Diagnosing the Roots of Youth Uprisings: A Call for Inclusive Governance in Africa
In each case, these movements were driven by more than just youthful rebellion. They were responses to systemic issues such as corruption, economic inequality, and the lack of transparency and accountability in governance. In Kenya, the frustration of the youth over the Finance Bill 2024 reflects similar sentiments. This unrest is not merely a generational issue but a reaction to deeper, entrenched problems within the governance framework.
领英推荐
A key factor in these uprisings is the perceived lack of transparency and accountability in government actions. When governance is opaque and leaders are not held accountable, trust erodes, and citizens, especially the youth, feel disenfranchised. The World Economic Forum's Trust Deficit concept highlights how the lack of trust in institutions hinders economic growth and social cohesion. This deficit is a significant barrier that needs addressing to prevent future unrest.
Diagnosing the Root Causes
To understand the reasons behind youth uprisings, we must look beyond generational stereotypes and focus on systemic issues.
The lack of inclusion in decision-making processes, economic marginalization, and ineffective governance frameworks are primary drivers of discontent.
These factors lead to a sense of hopelessness and frustration, prompting youth to take to the streets as a last resort. A few questions to ponder;
The generational fallacy posits that unrest among the youth is merely a function of their age, but this overlooks the systemic issues that drive such protests. By questioning the underlying causes and addressing the root problems of transparency, accountability, and inclusion, we can begin to create a governance framework that truly represents and serves all citizens. As we navigate these complex challenges, it is crucial to foster a culture of trust and cooperation, ensuring that every voice is heard and every individual feels valued.