GenZs Are Sanskaari Too: 10 Rules from the GenZ Rule Book of Values

Millennials vs Gen Z

This debate is all over social media. Whether it’s about managing a Gen Z employee or dealing with your own Gen Z children. Their mood swings, their back talk, their questionable life choices; we’ve all cribbed about them at some point.

Let’s admit it: we millennials and the generations above us are having a tough time handling Gen Z. To the point that some of us have even tagged them as indisciplined, rude, or outright annoying. And we millennials take pride in saying we have been “Sanskaari” all our lives, while claiming, “These Gen Zs have no sanskaar!”

But wait—do we understand what good values mean to Gen Z? Have we formed an opinion about them without even understanding the rule book they are following?

Yes, we have been taught to always respect elders, perform rituals, work hard, and always think about others before ourselves. True, these are the foundations of a cultural upbringing, but haven’t people sometimes taken undue advantage of these values?

Gen Z is changing the rule book, and their rule book says - right is right, wrong is wrong; whether it’s a tradition, a practice, or a belief.

The Gen Z Rule Book of Good Character

The core of the Gen Z rule book is “Everyone is Equal.” Regardless of age, gender, caste, creed, designation or even species (yes, animals deserve a respectful life too; remember how Gen Z protested against the Supreme Court order of removing dogs from the streets of Delhi?).

Here are some chapters of their rule book that give you an idea of how they think:

Rule 1 – Everyone is Equal. Period.

Gen Z rejects the idea of “Respecting Elders.” Their idea is to “Respect Everyone.” Big, small, rich, poor, elder, younger, boss, or employee; all deserve the same respect. But the moment someone crosses their boundaries, Gen Z won’t hesitate to call it out or walk away.

Gen Z’s philosophy is simple: respect isn’t owned, it’s earned - and the only way to earn it is by giving it first.

Rule 2 – Gender-Neutral Philosophy

Gen Z believes no job belongs to a single gender. Cooking, cleaning, walking a dog, or fixing something; these are not gender roles; they’re survival skills. Either do it yourself or hire someone if you can.

They don’t romanticise their mothers serving hot chapatis while everyone else enjoys a hot meal; if she’s doing it against her will, they call it exploitation. Gen Z also freely takes up hobbies or things that were once considered “girly,” be it knitting, ballet, or applying nail paint; they follow their hearts without seeking validation.

Rule 3 – Be Kind and Do Not Judge

Gen Z believes in kindness. They don’t label or judge anyone but treat everyone as they are. Vulnerability is valued. They cry, laugh, jump out of joy, and hug openly. They wear their emotions on their sleeves.

Supporting each other during tough times is what Gen Z believe in.

Rule 4 – Body Shaming is a Crime

Previous generations casually called someone “fatty”, “Naatu”, or commented on skin colour or height. For Gen Z, judging someone based on looks, clothes, or appearance is unacceptable.

Everyone has the right to own their body and present themselves as they choose. Commenting on the clothes, hair, body or appearance in a derogatory way is not cool for them.

Rule 5 – Real Connections Over Fake Relationships

Gen Z craves heart-to-heart connections. So if your grandchildren skip family parties or avoid long chats, it’s not disrespect, it’s disconnection. Understanding and appreciating their choices is key. They do connect with older generations when it’s meaningful.

Just look at Ratan Tata and his Gen Z friend Shantanu; their friendship proves that bonds can rise above age.

Image Courtesy : Indian Express

Rule 6 – Purpose Over Hard Work

Gen Z sees a career as part of life, not the whole of their identity. That’s why they value boundaries. Signing off on time, seeking flexible, work-from-anywhere opportunities, and maintaining balance is how they imagine work.

But don’t mistake this for arrogance or laziness. If the work gives them purpose, they’ll go all in, even pull an all-nighter to make it happen.

Rule 7 – Collaboration Over Authority

The idea of a boss giving endless instructions and micro-managing doesn’t sit well with Gen Z. They thrive in collaborative environments. Give them autonomy for their ideas and vision, and they’ll deliver results that exceed expectations.

They prioritise flexibility, meaning, and side hustles over traditional 9-5 jobs or toxic work culture.

Rule 8 – Social Responsibility

Gen Z doesn’t just scroll past headlines; they take a stand. Whether it’s environmental causes, animal welfare, or uplifting the underprivileged, they actively support what truly matters. From volunteering, spreading awareness on social media, to backing sustainable brands, this generation invests their time, energy, and resources in creating a meaningful impact.

Rule 9 – Quiet Meet-Ups Over Loud Parties

Leisure for Gen Z looks very different from previous generations. They skip loud discotheques in favour of quiet Sunday meet-ups. This generation bonds over art workshops, music jams, board games, or baking sessions.

Pic courtsey : Pottery Den

What about Alcohol? Not a dealbreaker. While Millennials worried that being a teetotaller might cost them opportunities at office parties, Gen Z knows how to make choices and stick to them, without bowing to social pressure. An increasing number of Gen Zers are consciously staying away from alcohol and all forms of intoxication.

Rule 10 – Mental Health Matters

There’s a joke: “Gen Z needs a therapist for every little problem… back in our day, one dad’s slap was enough to fix everything!”

While it’s funny, many of the millennials are still dealing with childhood trauma of tough parenting. Gen Z takes mental health seriously. They don’t suffer in silence; they reach out to someone who listens without judgment and guides them. Clarity always beats delusion for this generation.

Their values aren’t rooted in blind obedience or tradition; they question everything and want a healthy debate. While their approach may seem bold or unconventional to older generations, it reflects a generation that respects what truly matters, sets boundaries, and believes in making the world a better place - NO CAP.

Let us know your thoughts. The comment section is open for some meaningful conversations.