The idea that different generations tend to think and act in unique ways from one another has been a common observation for a while now. We hear generations often categorized by the periods in which individuals are born. We use them to define shared experiences, values, and view on the state of the world.
In order to stay relevant for a long time, organizations need to care, understand and connect with different generations and the products and services they put out must meet the needs of different generations.
Without this, they risk becoming irrelevant and will likely be fading away.
In this journal, I will try explore the main generations and their year of birth since we start defining and documenting them. The concept of generational influences, and notable changes each group has experienced is also highlighted.
The Concept of Generations
As Karl Mannheim stated in his book The Sociological Problem of Generations, generations describe groups that are distinctive in the societal, cultural, and technological shifts that occur during their formative years. These shared experiences shape their values, attitudes, and behaviors throughout their lives. Historical events, technological advancements, and social changes all play significant roles in shaping generational identities.
Examples of changes in each Generation
Silent Generation (1928–1945):
- History: They lived through tough times like the great depression and World War II, which made them strong and value stability.
- Technology: They saw the invention of TV and big improvements in medicine.
- Society: They were part of the civil rights movement and cared a lot about family traditions.
Baby Boomers (1946–1964):
- What was happening in the world? They grew up during the cold war (a time when the U.S.A and Russia were rivals) and when people fought for equal rights for all races. These events made them care a lot about fairness and standing up for what they believed in.
- Technology they saw: They were the first to use personal computers, the internet, and things like email when they became popular.
- Social changes: They lived through big changes in society, like women starting to work more outside the home, and the 1960s and 1970s, which were all about new music, fashion, and ideas.
Generation X (born 1965–1980):
- Big Events: The end of the cold war. This made them pretty independent and sometimes too skeptical about things.
- Tech Stuff: They grew up when MTV started, video games became popular, and the first mobile phones came around.
- Social Changes: More parents got divorced during their time, and it became common for both parents to work.
Millennials (1981–1996):
- What was happening in the world? They grew up during a time when the world became more connected (globalization), but also faced talk of terrorism and economic crash called the Great Recession. This made them worry about money and care a lot about helping others and making the world better.
- Technology they grew up with: They were the first generation to grow up with the internet, social media ( Facebook and Instagram).
- Social changes: They care a lot about including everyone (diversity), protecting the environment, and finding a balance between work and having fun or spending time with family. They also challenged old ideas about how families and jobs should work.
Generation Z (born 1997–2012):
- Big Events: They lived through 9/11, the economic downturn known as the Great Recession, and they’re dealing with climate change, which makes them very aware of global issues and often active in making changes.
- Tech Stuff: They’ve grown up with smartphones in their hands, using apps like Instagram and TikTok, and watching shows or listening to music through streaming services rather than TV or CDs.
- Social Shifts: This generation values diversity and equality a lot. They stand up for social justice, like equal rights for everyone, and they communicate quickly through text or social media. They also love creating their own content, like videos or posts online.
Understanding generational differences provides valuable insights into societal trends, behavior, and workplace dynamics. Look at you, reading all these! I miss you too. When we learn how history and culture affect different generations, we can understand the complexity within our society and respect the differences between people. By appreciating these differences, we can work better together and build a kinder, more united world. Let’s keep learning from each other and celebrate the uniqueness that each generation brings to our evolving world.
