During a recent discussion with my daughter about generational divides, the differences between Baby Boomers and Millennials piqued my interest. I wanted to learn more and, of course, another research project was underway. While the generational divide is very real; I found the differing opinions, beliefs and outlooks, from one generation to another, are not quite as different as you might think.
I discovered generational experiences are woven together and their respective differences are only set apart by time. Be it war, prosperity, technology, economic crisis, or cultural change; like it or not, time changes everyone. People adapt, old beliefs are discarded, emphasis on community eventually replaces self, and the pursuit of a better life continues to be catalyst for human survival. Every generation leaves a legacy of learning. Understanding the past may help improve upon the good and avoid repeating the bad.
My goal was to understand past generations and also anticipate the contributions from future generations.
While this list is not an all-inclusive description of each generation, I have compiled this information to the best of my ability, and believe it provides a snippet of an insight into each generation.
Civil War Generation (1845-1864)
The Civil War Generation became the generation of shattered innocence, forgotten dreams, and lost hope. With 750,000 miliary deaths and countless unknown civilian deaths, the North and the South shared the common experience of human loss, destroyed land, tragedy, uprooting and societal changes. These experiences set the stage for a future rise in civic engagement, resolve, and united dedication to the betterment of humanity.
Reconstruction Era (1865-1877)
During the Reconstruction Era Congress addressed the inequities of slavery and implemented full freedom and constitutional rights by passing three constitutional amendments: abolishing slavery, defining birthright citizenship and granting voting rights. Although legal progress was made, the nation would continue to suffer setbacks in united reconciliation.
Gilded Age Generation (1870-1889)
The Gilded Age Generation was marked by rampant materialism, overt political corruption, rapid economic growth, industrialization and extreme wealth inequality.
Progressive Era Generation (1890–1920
Multiple social and political reform efforts. Political corruption was overt. Women’s suffrage movement spanned nearly a century. After decades of activism and reform, success was finally realized when the 19th amendment was ratified in 1920 guaranteeing American women the right to vote, thus launching them into the political arena.
Greatest generation (1921-1927)
The Greatest Generation is known for patriotism, an iron will work ethic, strong sense of loyalty to Country and an unprecedented resilience of living through the hardships of World War II and the Great Depression. During this time, millions of men enlisted to fight the war, while women, in their absence, worked in the factories and other occupations to support their families.
Silent Generation (1928 -1945)
The Silent Generation is the era of children should be seen and not heard, believed in traditional values, respect for authority, a strong sense of loyalty, and an aversion to risk taking. This generation placed emphasis on hard work, discipline, and thriftiness.
Baby Boom Generation (1946-1964)
The Baby Boom Generation, or Boomers are named after the post WWII baby boom when soldiers returned home. Boomers display a strong work ethic, healthy competitiveness, optimism, idealism, independence, and self- sufficiency. Boomers possess a goal driven mindset, value traditional views, and yes, defined rebellion of hierarchy, and respect for leaders. Boomers embraced the rise of rock n roll, sexual liberation, and freedom of expression.
Gen X (1965-1980)
Gen X Generation, also known as the Forgotten Generation, rebelled against excesses of the 80’s including music, movies and styles. The Gen X Generation lived on MTV, VH1, and Mixtapes of punk rock, hip-hop and grunge. Gen X saw the rise of divorce and two income households. Working mothers combined with high divorce rates unintentionally labeled many Gen Xers as Latchkey Kids. Gen Xers are fiercely independent, hold a cynical opinion of humanity, and are tech savvy., Gen Xers are known as the work hard, play hard generation.
Gen Y (1981-1996)
Gen Y, also known as Millennials, are known for their adaptability to change, social awareness, and preference for experiences over material possessions. Considered the digital pioneers of tech, Millennials are addicted to online communication. Millennials are typically college educated, accepting their significant student loan debt with an “it’s just life mentality.” Suffering through COVID 19 lockdowns stole person-to-person relationships, fostered a cynical view of authority, and created a live life for the moment attitude. Millennials value independence, prioritize health, and choose to set short term financial goals. Millennials seek jobs that fulfill their passion, align with their interests, and prefer work environments that suit them; if the job fails to meet their expectations, they have no qualms about quitting and moving on.
Gen Z (1997 – 2012)
Gen Zers, also known as Zoomers, shaped by witnessing their families’ financial hardships from the Great Recession, are financially frugal, tend to seek skilled trade blue collar employment, foregoing college and opting for a debt free lifestyle. Zoomers bring attention to causes they believe in through activism, protests, and political influence.
Gen Alpha (2011 -2024)
Gen Alpha, a.k.a. iPad kids, also known as the Anxious Generation. Gen Alpha are digital natives, dependent on screens, apps, and video gaming. Gen Alpha’s slang, curiosity, and determination to make their mark on society will define the characteristics of their generation. The world awaits.
Gen Beta (2025-2039)
Welcome to the world. Immersed in smart devices and artificial intelligence, advances made by your generation will bring on a brand-new era. We cannot wait to witness your legacy.
Tammie Tuley is an independent writer, Certified Grant Consultant, motivation speaker, and author of
Grant Writing Bootcamp...Back to the Basics and Get Yourself Settled Lil' Girl
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