Abstract:
Intergenerational communication is a critical element in maintaining harmony
and social resilience within Muslim families, particularly when navigating
shifting values, rapid technological developments, and broader social changes.
Age stereotypes often influence family interaction patterns, presenting the
potential to either reinforce hierarchies or foster space for intergenerational
dialogue. This study adopted a qualitative case study design, involving 16
participants from eight intergenerational Muslim families in Pontianak City
selected via purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth
interviews, participant observation, focus group discussions (FGDs), and
documentation.
Thematic analysis—incorporating systematic coding,
categorization, and contextual interpretation—was employed, with validity
secured through source and method triangulation. The findings indicate that
while age stereotypes significantly shape intergenerational communication
dynamics, they remain fluid and negotiable. Many families experienced a shift
from authoritarian communication patterns toward dialogical and adaptive
frameworks. Concurrently, digital technology serves an ambivalent role, acting
both as a source of meaning mismatches and as a collaborative platform that
bridges generational divides. Local cultural values and Islamic teachings
function as essential moral anchors, strengthening emotional cohesion and
communication ethics. The implications of this study suggest that strengthening
family resilience requires a shift toward dialogic literacy and the integration of
religious values to effectively mitigate digital divides and sustain emotional
cohesion in modern urban Muslim households.
