Generational Differences

Interacting with my children and grandchildren has opened my eyes as to how different things are today. Their opportunities and expectations are more than we had when we were growing up. Of course, our own parents felt the same way about us, and theirs about them; a common generational feeling.

As I ponder this subject I begin to understand how each generation finds themselves out of sync with those that follow. What we see are things we have trouble comprehending. Their behavior and expectations are not what we have accepted as conventional during our time. Some of this comes from parents wanting more for their children than they had, and some from changes in society and technology.

I recently attended a meeting where generational differences were discussed. What I learned did bring a better understanding as to why each generation has been altered from the one before them.

The definitions of the six generations, defining moments associated with their lives and expectations are:
  • Greatest Generation (aka GI Generation) 1901-1924: WWI, Roaring Twenties, Great Depression; expectations - working hard to survive and fighting for their country.
  • Traditionalists (aka Silent Generation) 1925-1945: Great Depression, WWI; expectations - home ownership and jobs for life.
  • Baby Boomers (aka Boomers) 1946-1964: JFK Assassination, Civil Rights, Vietnam, Hippies, Sexual Revolution, Moon Landing, American Dream; expectations - job security and believing they could be what they wanted to be.
  • Generation X (aka Baby Busters or Gen-Xers) 1965-1981: Challenger Explosion, Berlin Wall, Divorce, MTV, Latchkey Kids; expectations - work-life balance and loyalty to their profession (not necessarily to employer).
  • Millennials (aka Echo Boomers or Generation Y) 1982-2000: 9/11 Attacks, Y2K, School Shootings, Social Media; expectations - freedom and flexibility, digital entrepreneurs working "with" organizations and not for them.
  • Generation Z (aka Homelanders, Screeners, Gen Z) 2001-Present: Great Recession, Technology, Terrorism; expectations security and stability, 24/7 connections.
When we look at what transpired in each generation there is a better understanding of why we see things so differently.

I'm not sure if one generation is better than another, but I do know as each one passes there is one thing we lose. The close connection with our communities has diminished with each technological advancement. In the past our sense of community held us accountable as good neighbors, co-workers and citizens. We talked face to face and were quick to help someone in need. We believed in doing what was best for the majority.

We can never go back to what was so long ago, and in many ways we wouldn't want to. So much of what we have learned and created has made life better. However, it wouldn't be so bad to take the best pieces from each generation and keep them flourishing as a part of every generation moving forward.





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