A comparison of approaches of the generation Y and generation Z to traditional family values: Bartın sample

In this thesis, an answer was sought to the question of whether there is a difference between the approaches to family values of individuals from Y and Z generations, based on the data obtained from the field research carried out in the city center of Bartın. The scope of family values, which are the subject of the research, are; traditional family structure and values, male and female values in traditional families, and marriage values in traditional families. The research was carried out in two different dimensions using mixed method. The first dimension is the quantitative dimension conducted with the interview form by using a five-point Likert-type scale, and the other is the qualitative dimension that includes semi-structured interviews with sixteen participants from both generations. The quantitative dimension of the research was carried out with four hundred and fourteen participants in the city center of Bartın, and the qualitative dimension was carried out face-to-face with thirty-two interviewers. Based on qualitative and quantitative data, it can be said that there is a slight difference between the approaches of people from both generations to family values. It is seen that this difference emerges in the ways of expressing the opinions expressed by the interviewees from both generations rather than their content. Generation Y preferred more flexible, general or moderate expressions while expressing their views on family values. Generation Z, on the other hand, used clear and concise expressions that clearly stated their views, whether positive or negative. At the same time, the themes and codes used in the analysis of semi-structured interview data differ between the participants of both generations. In general, generation Z participants show less commitment to traditional family values. In the quantitative data obtained with the scale of commitment to family values, all of which are assumed to reflect traditional values, a significant difference was found between the answers of the Y and Z generation. A statistical difference was found in favor of the Z generation in the sub-dimensions of traditional family structure and values, male values in the traditional family and female values in the traditional family in the scale. This means that the Z generation in the relevant sub-dimensions shows less intense commitment to traditional values. There was no statistically significant difference between the two generations in the sub-dimension of women's values in the traditional family. This means that the participants in the sample used similar expressions in this dimension. Based on the results of the study, it is recommended that the status of generations having different levels of commitment to social values should not be ignored in the studies to be conducted on society.