ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the relationship between the boundaryless spirit of our time, and the confusions it has created for the conduct of intergenerational relations. Just as boundaries are essential for the emergence of national identity, so they are indispensable for the development of the identity of a human being. Individuals’ capacity to answer the question ‘who am I?’ depends on the clarity with which society communicates its expectations and ideals to children. Such ideals outline the moral boundaries within which human development occurs. In recent time, the boundary separating children and adults has become increasingly blurred. Furedi argues that the blurring of this boundary has diminished the capacity of society to socialise young people. It has also complicated the relationship between generations. The author concludes that the confusions surrounding generational boundaries has complicated the task of forging a stable identity and resolving young people’s crisis of identity.
