Generation Scammed Hard: Article Analysis

The article explores why generation Y is delaying life choices that traditionally signaled adulthood. The author discusses two opposing view on the matter and whether ultimately this serves as a positive or negative for my generation. In reaching their determination both Henig and Hard accounted for economic factors, biological factors, and societal factors. Although both authors agree that the delay is an issue; the disagreement stems for what they see as the cause and what actions can or should be taken to mitigate the long term implications of a generation that refuses to grow up.

Robin Marantz Henig explore the problem from a psychological and neurological perspective. She subscribed to psychologist Jeffrey Arnett’s claim that generation

He dismisses emerging adulthood stage as nothing more than a bogus psychological theory. He examines the delay not from a psychological or neurological perspective but from an economical perspective. Hard argues that the economy destruction brought fought by the baby boomers, and rising student debt has robed younger generation the incentives for hard work and sacrifice. He argues that regardless of psychological and neurological problems; generation Y will continue to delay if they lack the necessary skills and motivation that a strong economy

While I can certain attest to the fact that at age 25 I am far wiser than I was at age 18; I do not believe that this is the result of institutional failures. I went to a public school where I was afforded free education and electives design to help with the transition to adulthood. Like the author’s sister I too lived with my parents well in to adulthood but I contribute that to my unwillingness to advance to that next change. Students in this very institution squander federal grants by refusing to show up to class or accomplish assignment; a luxury often not found in developing nations. Hard’s economic angle lacks substance when juxtapose with much poorer countries that transition its generation Y quicker in to adulthood out of necessity. In this regard Hard’s stance on the lack of motivation being the driving force is correct but I would argue is not because of the lack of economic prosperity but the lack of urgency. Generation Y is not being drafted as 15 year olds to fight war nor are they being forced in to arrange marriage at a similar age. The factors simple do not exist that would spark such urgency, as a result this complacency is usually viewed as laziness or lacking direction. Societies pleas for millennials to grow up is usually not back up by consequences due to the institutions and social safety nets we have