Nothing will ever be the same: the growing generation gap in South Kordofan state, Sudan (2022–2024)

This work draws on preliminary data obtained two years ago on the aspirations, priorities, and needs of young people in South Kordofan State. It examines intergenerational communication and perception of relation under conditions of war, the manifestation of which emphasizes the generational gap between parents and children. As a non-straight forward relation between generations, the gap is traditionally driven by age differences and incompatible view points between the two sectors. Parents usually ignore children’scomplaints and pay less attention to what they ask, even though children have the opportunity to not accept the traditional ways of parents’ lifestyle. It is nothing new that parents and their children do not get along with each other. But in war-torn South Kordofan State, the gap is widening dramatically and affecting the fabric of society. The relation between parents and youth has become tinged with tension, disharmony, uncertainty and full of anxiety. Misunderstandings are increasing; disconnection is manifested in lack of advice and weak interaction. War combined with other traditional factors augmented the gap over time and made children self-reliant, less attached to family, breaking the shackles and going beyond the limits of normal life.