Who Are the Generations?
Learn about each generation – who they are, what shaped them, and what traits define them.
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VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
In this video, you’ll learn about each generation – who they are, what shaped them, and what traits define them.
George Orwell once said, "Every generation imagines itself to be more intelligent than the one that went before it, and wiser than the one that comes after it.”
Does that describe your feelings towards other generations? People tend to feel their generation is the best generation. But no generation is better than another, just different.
A firm understanding of just how different the generations are is important in today’s multi-generational workplace and marketplace. Understanding the generations allows you to appreciate those that went before you by comprehending some of their struggles and triumphs; and it can prepare you for the changes and opportunities that will inevitably come with the next generation.
Who are the Generations?
We will be reviewing the western cultural generations. Other areas around the world such as Japan, Asia, and portions of Europe will have their own generation definitions based on cultural, political, and economic influences. However, the emerging generations, Millennials and Generation Z, have characteristics and behaviors that match their global peers, more so than previous generations.
Also note that these are generalizations, many variations of the generations can exist within regions, both geographically and culturally.
Here is an overview of the generations.
The two asterisks in the bottom right represent how large these generations were at their peak. Unfortunately, the older generations are not this large anymore due to individuals passing away.
G.I. Generation: ~1900-1927
Age Range as of 2017: 90 and over
Alternate Names: The Greatest Generation
Shaped By: Great Depression, World Wars
Traits: Hard-working, Patriotism, Respect Authority, Conservative Savers
Silent Generation: ~1928-1945
Age Range as of 2017: ~72-89
Alternate Names: Builders, Traditionalists, Lucky Few, Post-war Cohort
Shaped By: World War II, Vietnam War, Korean War
Traits: Veterans, Conformists, Loyal, Follow Rules, Non-protestors
Baby Boomers: ~1946-1964
Age Range as of 2017: ~53-71
Alternate Names: Me Generation, Generation Jones
Shaped By: Woodstock, Civil Rights, Economic Prosperity, Kennedy Assassination, Rock ’n' Roll
Traits: Driven, Question Authority, Optimistic, Efficient, Team Player, “Great Consumers”
Generation X: ~1965-1980
Age Range as of 2017: ~37-52
Alternate Names: Baby Busters, Gen Bust, The Lost Generation, Latchkey Generation
Shaped By: Watergate, Layoffs, Family Instability, Challenger Explosion, MTV
Traits: Latch-key Kids, Self-reliant, Skeptical, Independent
Millennials: ~1981-1997
Age Range as of 2017: ~20-36
Alternate Names: Generation Y, Echo Boomers, Generation Me
Shaped By: 9/11, Columbine, Y2K, Internet, Great Recession, Technology
Traits: Ask Why, Creative, Optimistic, Collaborative, Entrepreneurial
Generation Z: ~1998-?
Age Range as of 2017: 19 and younger
Alternate Names: iGen, Centennials, Globals, Homelanders, Post-Millennials, Founders
Shaped By: Terrorism, Mobile Technology, Social Media, Cyber Bullying
Traits: Pragmatic, Cautious, Tech Dependent, Individualistic
Generational spans are likely to shrink to 5-10 year spans, instead of 15-20 year spans, because of the increased level of exposure to significant events thanks to our hyper-connected world and increased exposure to innovations in technology that are altering behavior during moldable years.
