Sea Legs

I talk about the “current generation” and “past generations” in my other articles, and I thought I would take the opportunity to describe who I am talking about.  Most of us are probably familiar with the terms “Generation X” and “Generation Y”, but who exactly are these people, and what are the primary characteristics and differentiating factors associated with each?  I’ve done a little research, and here is what I’ve found.

Baby Boomers:

Born approximately 1946 – 1955

The children of those born during the Great Depression, Baby Boomers were the wealthiest and healthiest generation in history.  Boomers were also one of the largest generations, with an estimated 80 million people!  These people, now in the their 50s and 60s, had a high efficacy level – they feel/felt  like they could make a difference in the world, and the Boomers, more than any other American generation, thought the world would get better and better over time.  In their 20s and 30s, Boomers provoked an era of great progression and social change; they moved away from tradition and began paving their own ways and acting on new ideas.  Baby Boomers were highly active mainly in their 20s (1960s and 1970s), and they fought for gender, racial, and social equality.  Environmental preservation first gained popularity during the Boomers’ formative years.  In general, Baby Boomers promoted individuality and experimentation.

Generation X:

Born approximately 1965 – 1976 (or 1961 – 1981 by some); about 51 million people

Generation X is often thought of as kind of an in-between generation; there are almost half as many Gen. X’ers as there were Baby Boomers, and Gen. X’ers’ imprint has been less obvious on the world.  People in this generation came of age during the rise of the home computer, video games, and Dot-com businesses.  They have forged such movements as hip-hop, punk, and grunge music and cultures.  In general, these people focus more on money and productivity than on art, like the Boomers.  Members of Generation X have the highest education levels of any previous generation.

Generation Y, also known as “Millenials” (that’s me!):

born 1977 – 1998; about 75 million people

While the members of Generation X have learned and become comfortable with today’s technology, Generation Y was born with it, they expect it to be a large part of their lives, and they embrace it.  New media and interactive technology takes an important role in their lives, and they will rely on it and pioneer new technology in their lifetimes.  Generation Y’s are by and large the children of Baby Boomers, and there are almost as many in this generation as their were Boomers.  Gen. Y is used to a higher standard of living than previous generations; they are highly brand name-oriented, and they prolong adulthood by living at home well into their 20s and even 30s.  A lot of Gen. Y’s do not start their careers until their late 20s or 30s either.

Millenials are civic-minded; environmental consciousness was pioneered by their parents and its importance is carried on by Millenials.  The young adults of Generation Y are also politically concerned and involved with their governments.  Gen. Y grew up during the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and voted for the first black President of the United States.

Millenials have been coined the “Trophy Generation”; they are highly competitive and have an “everyone gets a prize” mentality.  Gen. Y’s also feel a strong sense of entitlement, which is often reflected in the workplace.  They feel strongly that their jobs should fit around their lifestyle, not vice versa.  They want to be more informed, get more feedback, and be more involved in decision-making in the office.

To which generation do you belong?  Do you feel like these characteristics describe your generation?  Does your personality fit the general traits of your generation?