Posted on 07/27/2016
Okay, besides the characteristic cell phone that seems impossible to wrest from their grasp, what defines Generation Z? Are today’s kids simply “Generation Y on steroids,” as some tend to assume they will be? While there are certainly some similarities to their Millennial counterparts, many sociologists and marketers are seeing more unique characteristics unfold — as well as a comparison to another generation — one that may surprise you. And if you’re a parent of a child who’s between the ages of 5 and 19 in 2016, it might just encourage your heart, too.
Generation Gaps
Let’s do a quick overview of the six living generations:
GI Generation or The Greatest Generation: Born from 1901 to 1926, these individuals were children during the Great Depression. They are known for their community-minded spirit, absolute standards of morality, and frugality.
Silent or Mature Generation: Born between 1927 and 1945, this generation was shaped by the Great Depression and World Wars but also enjoyed some postwar fun. Women typically stayed home to raise children, and men stayed with their employers for life. Diligent workers wary of risks, they became the wealthiest.
Baby Boomers: Born from 1946 to 1964, this generation is a mix of revolutionaries and career-climbing yuppies. Known for their “free love” ideals, this generation is typically seen as self-righteous and self-centered. Many used credit and became too busy for community involvement. Women began working outside the home, divorce rates rose, and TV became commonplace, all while they were raising kids.
Generation X: Those born between 1965 and 1980, many of these were “latch-key kids” who grew up feeling isolated. Many have individualistic and entrepreneurial tendencies and are more focused on their own communities than global issues. Many have changed careers up to 7 times, and many are late to marry and quick to divorce. These self-reliant survivors tend to be cynical of authority and cautious about almost everything. They grew up hanging out with friends while watching movies instead of interacting.
Generation Y or Millennials: Those born between 1980 and 1995 are sometimes called the 9/11 Generation or the Echo Boomers, and they’re about as opposite Generation X as possible. They’ve had helicopter parents and tend to be both optimistic and respectful of authority. They learned early on that the world is not a safe place. They schedule everything and like to work in teams. They get most of their socialization online and prefer a relaxed work environment with a lot of reward for little investment.
Today’s Kids
Members of Generation Z or iGen are much more likely to be Hispanic. This generation is the first one to never know life without cell phones or social media. As a result, they’re following Generation Y in leaving traditional toys behind at even younger ages in favor of electronics. But in all other areas, they’re more like their cautious Generation X parents, and even more like their great-grandparents, the Silent Generation. They’re not trying to change the world, but to live within its confines. Maybe they’ll end up making the same wise choices and enjoying their retirement someday, too.
Check out Part 2, here.
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