Distinctions In The Different Generations – Different Generations And What Characterizes Them 

Your generation makes you who you are. Generations are one the major things that help shape an individual’s life regardless of where they are born.

Do you know what your generation says about you?

Many people are still ignorant of what generation is all about. Generations come with different age brackets, characteristics, and languages that define them. This is why you need to know about our various generations and how to relate with those born within that generation.

What Is A Generation?

According to the Cambridge dictionary, generation is all the people of about the same age within a society or a particular family. This shows that generation is a set of people born within the same gender bracket. Various reports state that a generation is those born within the age gap of 20 – 30 years.

A generation is born from another generation, so you need to understand generation timing. For instance, it is believed that Gen X and Gen Y are the Gen Alphas’ adult parents.

The generations to come will surely have records of this generation; this is why you should know more about other generations before you.

Different Generations And What Characterises Them 

Each generation is known to have different things that work for them and what is obtainable with each. So, we will look into them to gain clarity. The various generations include the following:

1. Greatest Generation 1901- 1927
2. The Silent Generation 1928 – 1945
3. The Baby Boomers 1946 – 1964
4. Generation X 1964 – 1980
5. Millennial Generation or Generation Y 1981 – 1996
6. Generation Z 1997 – 2010
7. Generation Alpha 2011 – 2024

Let’s get started.

1. Greatest Generation 1901- 1927

This generation is regarded as the generation that lived through the Great Depression and then went off to fight in World War II. Notably, jazz and swing music characterize this generation and their love for cultural artefacts.

2. The Silent Generation 1928 – 1945

The silent generation got their name for being so conventional that they were quiet through the MacCarthy era when the fear of Communism swept the country. Kids were expected to earn their way through life using a strong work ethic during this era.

3. The Baby Boomers 1946 – 1964

The name baby boomer came about during the economic boom of that time.

This generation was known to be wild as many young people of this generation defied their parents, protested the Vietnam War, and created the “Summer of Love.”

This generation redefined history as they began to look into the perspective of children in the family.

4. Generation X 1964 – 1980

Generation X earned themselves a nickname,” slacker generation,” as they were able to live all through the AIDS epidemic, MTV culture, and a shifting landscape that would give rise to LGBTQ+ rights.

This generation is noted to be actively involved in their children’s lives, unlike the baby boomers who gave their kids liberty.

5. Millennial Generation or Generation Y 1981 – 1996

This generation is seen as the first generation to live with and without the internet, which plays a significant role in their personal lives and those of their wards.

This generation is community-oriented and environmentally conscious, traits which they picked up as children.

This trait has made this generation much more relatable than other generations. The Millenials actively use their knowledge and experiences to shape the lives of those after them.

6. Generation Z 1997 – 2010

Gen Z is the generation that was born into the world with interest access, which earned them the name ” Digital natives”.

Gen Z, like the millennials, are often environmentally conscious, inclusive and accepting of others, and extremely politically aware.

They have an innovative way of life and a new perspective compared to the other generations.

7. Generation Alpha 2011 – 2024

The kids born between 2011 and 2024 are regarded as the Gen Alpha generation. This generation was born into a world of technology and highly dependent on the internet for information.

With the belief that Gen Alphas are the children of Gen X and Gen Y, they seem to be influenced by their parents, who have been through different generations.

Conclusion 

Knowing what your generation says about you is important as it helps to ascertain some of your values and how you were raised in such a time.

Knowledge of these generations gives you an edge over others and helps prevent you from making mistakes that others have made before you.