Intergenerational communication patterns and their influence on the social resilience of Muslim families in Pontianak city

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.