Generations – Understanding What Each One Has to Offer

Introduction
Generations have been around since people begin to procreate. Each generation faces different issues and the ways in which people view the world evolve over time. It is important to understand what each generation is, the values they hold and how they affect the world.

The Silent Generation
The silent generation is a term used to describe those born between 1925 and 1945. During this time, the United States was going through vast economic and political change. This generation was characterized by a strong work ethic, loyalty, conservatism and sacrifice. They were known for not speaking out, hence the name silent generation. The most notable event during this generation were two world wars which resulted in a massive economic decline. Those belonging to this generation believed in the notion of “sacrifice for the greater good” and this can be seen in the high numbers of people who served in the military.

Baby Boomers
The Baby Boomers are a term used to describe those born between 1946 and 1964. This was a time of unprecedented economic prosperity and growth in the United States. Post-war, the economy was thriving, and for the first time, a majority of people lived in suburbs and owned cars. Those belonging to this generation believe in individualism and hard work. They are ambitious and have the determination to succeed. It is worth noting that baby boomers are generally seen as the wealthiest generation in American history.

Generation X
Generation X is a term used to describe those born between 1965 and 1980. This generation faced a much different world than their predecessors. The economy had started to decline and political turmoil was abundant. Generation X is often known as being the “lost” generation. They faced financial difficulties and were distrusting of the government and other institutions. Those belonging to this generation are independent, resourceful and value self-reliance.

Millenials
Millenials, also known as Generation Y, are those born between 1981 and 1996. This generation is often characterized by their heavy reliance on technology and social media. They are digitally savvy and tend to be more open-minded than previous generations. They value individuality and seek to make an impact on the world. This generation also value diversity and inclusion, having grown up in an increasingly diverse world.

Generation Z
Generation Z is a term used to describe those born 1997 and onward. This generation has had an extremely different upbringing than previous generations. They are global citizens and are heavily influenced by technology and social media. Generation Z is the most socially conscious generation, believing that issues such as climate change should be at the forefront of political discourse. That being said, they are also the most entrepreneurial generation and more open to new ideas and innovations.

Conclusion
Generations are an essential part of understanding different historical time periods and the values that those of those generations hold. Each generation has something unique to offer, and by understanding the key characteristics of each, we can gain further insight into the world.