Generations are groups of people who were born during the same period, experienced the same historical events and received similar cultural influences.
The Generation of the Baby Boomersthe Generation X and the Generation Y o Millennialare some of the best known.
For each generation a start and end date is established that delimits the period to which it belongs. The years vary according to the author, so these dates are approximate:
| Generation | Period of birth |
|---|---|
| Baby Boomer | 1946-1960 |
| Generation X | 1961-1979 |
| Generation Y or Millennial | 1980-1994 |
| Generation Z or Centennial | 1995-2010 |
| Generation Alpha | 2011-undefined |
Baby Boomer Generation
The name of this generation is associated with the increase in the birth rate experienced after the end of World War II in some countries. This group includes people born after 1945, the year the conflict ended, and the 1960s, approximately.
They are the generation that experienced social and cultural transformations. This period begins with the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Other revolutionary and liberation movements take place, such as the Hippie movement and its protests against the Vietnam War.
People belonging to this generation are characterized by their high dedication to work and their persevering spirit.
Generation X
It is the generation established between 1961 and 1979, a period during which events such as the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union, the dissolution of The Beatles and the birth of Microsoft took place.
They are considered more independent than the previous generation, due to the possibility that both parents worked outside the home or were divorced.
This independence and their nonconformist nature caused them to devote more effort to their academic training. They are a better prepared group, compared to the Baby Boomers.
Generation Y or Millennial
Millennials are those born between 1980 and 1994. During these years, events such as the Chernobyl nuclear catastrophe, the end of the Cold War or the Persian Gulf War took place.
Animated series such as The Simpsons and Dragon Ball were created. The use of video games became increasingly widespread, giving rise to such famous games as Tetris and Pac-Man.
Those born in this generation are individuals already accustomed to technology, mainly consoles and computers. They have a greater ability to communicate with authority figures, such as parents or bosses. Their education is based on respect and tolerance, they defend cultural diversity, teamwork and respect for the environment.
Generation Z or Centennial
It starts in 1995 and lasts until 2010. Some of the most relevant events of the period are the September 11, 2001 attacks in New York, the introduction of the euro in the Eurozone countries and the Conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI.
People belonging to this generation have grown up in a technological world, so mobile devices and the Internet are part of their daily lives. They are aware of the need to have a good academic record, although their time is marked by job insecurity. Concerned about climate change, they have greater ecological sensitivity.
Generation Alpha
The starting year is 2011, although it has not yet been defined when it ends. Some notable events of this period are the exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union, the intensification of climate change and the last throes of the 2008 economic crisis.
Those born in this time frame are still too young to be able to define their profile. They are in the midst of the digital age, the age of information and immediacy. It is this very instantaneity that makes them more consumerist than previous generations. They are also likely to be more committed to issues of social equality and ecological culture.
Non-contemporary generations
| Generation | Period of birth |
|---|---|
| Lost generation | 1883-1900 |
| Great generation | 1901-1927 |
| Silent generation | 1928-1945 |
Lost Generation
Located between 1883 and 1900, a period in which there were major scientific breakthroughs such as the discovery of X-rays. Upon reaching adulthood, those born in this generation were witnesses and combatants in World War I.
The general sense of bewilderment that prevailed at the time prompted the naming of this generation.
Great generation
Defined between 1901 and 1927, a period marked by the First World War, by catastrophes such as the earthquake that struck San Francisco in 1906 or the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. During the 1920s, the economy recovered, bringing prosperity to certain countries, such as the United States.
Those belonging to this group lived a youth marked by economic changes and the rise of nationalism in Europe. For this reason, this generation, which lived through the period between the two wars, is considered the most resilient of all.
Silent generation
Born between 1928 and 1945, a convulsive period marked by the Crash of 1929 and the Second World War. Both events pushed the members of this generation to lead a sober life without excesses.
The main features of this group are austerity, conformity and submission, hence they are called the silent generation.
See also:
References:
- Strauss, William; Howe, Neil (1991). Harper, ed. Generations: the history of America’s future, 1584 to 2069. [Generaciones: la historia del futuro de Estados Unidos, 1584 a 2069].
