Gen Z redefines the boundaries of social reality

“Young people of Generation Z stand out for their clearly innovative vision on social roles and hierarchies, and for being true pioneers of the concept of “horizontalism””

Young people of Generation Z are digital native and fiercely progressive. They stand out for their clearly innovative vision on social roles and hierarchies, and for being true pioneers of the concept of “horizontalism”.

The social and cultural context in which they were born and raised has definitely contributed to forge their horizontal mindset. Specifically, the acceleration towards an ever more intense globalisation and the emerging challenges connected to the normalisation of diversity, in its many forms, have contributed to shape and enhance Gen Z’s sensitivity towards equality and inclusion as core values of their collective identity.

However, technological innovation and especially the development of more participative social media, have acted as catalysts of this new form of social conscious, making it possible to connect, share experiences and mobilize for common causes at a global level.

Unlike previous generations that often fell in line with the rigid patterns of social roles and hierarchies, Gen Z adopts a more fluid and flexible approach. The protagonists of this generation view social roles as dynamic and not static, which can be interpreted in different ways by each person  regardless of age, gender or socio-economic background. This perspective promotes creativity and freedom of expression and gives the people of Gen Z the opportunity to challenge conventional social norms, seeing inclusion not only as a goal to be achieved but as an outright moral imperative.

The same horizontal vision echoes also in opinions, attitudes and inclinations with which Gen Z looks at the world of work. Their view widely diverges from the idea of a top-down structure with roles and responsibilities increasing within a hierarchical pyramid. It appears instead to be increasingly more defined by the imperative of autonomy. Gen Z envisions a future of work with no rigid hierarchies, nor office hours, with freedom to choose how to balance work and earnings. And, above all, this generation does not take into consideration the idea of a permanent, single and “lifetime” job, as it is strongly motivated by the belief that a job must be constantly renewed and adapted to life's many stages.

Gen Z’s horizontal perspective challenges the traditional structures of power and authority that are called upon to adjust to a more pluralistic and interconnected reality. In the perceptions of young people, vertical hierarchical models give way to more collaborative forms of social organisation, in which individual participation and contribution are valued above position or job title.

This ongoing evolving process is a transition not without challenges. It requires a profound cultural change functional to the creation of social and organisational environments, ranging from micro to macro level, increasingly more open and porous, willing to embrace more integral models of equity and sustainability.