Overthinking Generation Pre- and Post- 20th Century

Today morning dawn with some confusion for me. I was trying hard to figure to which Generation I belonged to?!! It was while trying to find information about the various generation, a naming convention began in 20^th Century by pioneer socialist like Karl Mannheim (1893 – 1947) published The Problems of Generations in 1952.

Before Mannheim, Emile Littré (1801 – 1881) French lexicographer defined Generation as people who lived at the same time given some plus or minus in a period. It was Karl who first postulated the names for these Generation.

Later, William Strauss (1947 – 2007) and Neil Howe (born in 1951) created the Strauss Howe Generational Theory.

Robert Capa, a photographer by profession, gave the name ‘Generation X’ for young people who grew up after the World War II period.  

Generational Overview

The Silent Generation (1928–1945)

Key Traits: This generation believes in hard work, Self-discipline,
Influences: and with their mindset shaped by the Great Depression and the World War II. They often are loyal to their employers and their Alma Mater. These traits are often clubbed with a strong sense for their duty.
Spending Power: They have a conservative outlook for their spending and in the running of their family. The fact that they believe on the rules of hierarchical roles in the family.
Fictional Characters: Atticus Finch (To Kill a Mockingbird – 1960), George Bailey (It’s a Wonderful Life 1946- Film).

Baby Boomers (1946–1964)

Key Traits: This generation believes in being optimistic and ambitious.
Influences: The Civil Rights Movement, space exploration, and countercultural movements have great influences in their mindset. They tend to value hard work and personal fulfilment in their personal and professional lives.
Spending Power: Their lives have been during economic prosperity and social change which dictated their expenses.
Fictional Characters: Jay Gatsby (The Great Gatsby – 1925), Holden Caulfield (The Catcher in the Rye – 1951).

Generation X (1965–1980)

Key Traits: This generation is independent and resourceful. They are also called the “latchkey kids” often growing up in a family with both working parents or sometimes a single parent.
Influences: Decline in the trust of Institutions made them pragmatic. Often the scepticism crept in their understanding of social influences. They valued authenticity highly in the decision-making. Their strong sense of individualism and need for genuineness often shapes their countercultural trends.
Spending Power: The risk taking and starting out on their own seemed to egg them toward entrepreneurial roles.
Fictional Characters: Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games – 2008), Lisbeth Salander (*The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo – 2005).

Millennials (1981–1996)

Key Traits: This generation is tech-savvy and seek to often collaborate, and able to organically adapt to new things and technology. This generation grew up with the internet and social media during early impressive childhood.
Influences: They are socially conscious and have high value for new and bold experiences over having or possessing materials. The strong move against materialism seems to be from attainment of the intangible needs in them.
Spending Power: Driven by a desire for meaningful work and inclusivity lead to more meaningful spending for causes and movements.
Fictional Characters: Hermione Granger (Harry Potter series – 1997), Jonas (The Giver – 1993).

Generation Z (1997–2012)

Key Traits: This generation is digitally fluent since their early developmental days were spent with smartphones, social media, and instant connectivity. Socially conscious and diverse, advocating for mental health awareness and climate action.
Influences: The constant connectivity and advanced technology of Smartphones have led to their being awareness of social wrongs and promoting good social moves seems to high. But then equally the risk of fake propagations is also to be forewarned.
Spending Power: Much like their previous generation the individualism and the need to try out new products through Entrepreneurial efforts, often leveraging technology for innovative solutions.
Fictional Characters: Starr Carter (The Hate U Give – 2018 Film), Lara Jean Covey (To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before – 2018 Film).

Generation Alpha (2013 – 2024)

Key Traits: This generation believes in technology providing all the answers to the various material problems. Innovation and creativity in technological product building. They are AI and automation natives with high reliance on virtual assistants and augmented reality.
Influences: Highly skilled in being tech-savvy and their shift to more personalised self-learning, and high emphasis on entertainment and gaming experiences.
Spending Power: This group spends on technology is high and money is more a data on their expenditure. This group has mixed views on expenses. They are environmentally conscious which has been inherited from the previous generation’s climate action awareness
Fictional Characters: Sophie Foster (Keeper of the Lost Cities – 2012), August Pullman (Wonder – 2012).

In Conclusion

Understanding generational differences will help us to appreciate the diverse ways in which people approach life. The unique shape historical experiences and cultural shifts provides to the society at large. Literature serves as a timeless bridge. Whether evolving of generation or being preceptive of the coming future. Writers play an important part in bring to life characters who reflect real-life. This allows us to explore these generational dynamics through the lens of compelling characters. By examining these narratives, we gain a deeper appreciation for the evolving human story.