From X to Y: The Generation Gap, and its Effects
Introduction
Generation X, children born between 1965 and 1976, the first generation of children defined as ‘latchkey’ (oxford, marketing 4th edition). Living in an era of “dual-income” families, Gen X children were often left alone, and thus developed a sense of independence, and resourcefulness. Unlike Baby boomers, where equality was a core value, Gen X experienced more cultural diversity, higher levels of education, with some even attaining college degrees. Gen X is also extremely flexible, while they are loyal and committed to their jobs; if a better opportunity presents itself they would grasp it in a heartbeat. Gen X is determined and enthusiastic about life, growing as individuals, and increasing their qualifications. However, they believe themselves to be self-sufficient and choose to rely on themselves to reach their goals (Sally Kane, About.com Guide). While Gen X was growing up, so was the technology around them, allowing them to witness and adapt to devices like smartphones, computers, laptops, which were invented then. Few Gen X’ers are now starting to retire, while others have reached the peak of their careers. At this same time, Generation Y has started to obtain influential positions within their companies, with many others graduating from college, and joining the working class now.
Generation Y are children born between 1977 and 1994. There are many names that can be given to Gen Y, most are incorrect. The most fitting name for Gen Y is “Millennial”, as they are the largest generation to date. While Gen Y does have the most convenient access and adeptness with technology, they are in no way tech savants and as such digital natives aren’t an accurate way to descr...
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Author(s): Calin Gurau
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(Foscht et al., 2009; Manpower, 2007).
(Moore and Carpenter, 2008; Loroz, 2006;
Richard K. Miller and Associates, 2011b; White et al., 2008).
www.emeraldinsight.com/0736-3761.htm
Journal of Consumer Marketing
29/2 (2012) 103–113
q Emerald Group Publishing Limited [ISSN 0736-3761]
[DOI 10.1108/07363761211206357]
103
(Bakewell
and Vincent-Wayne, 2003; Beard, 2003; Cowart and
Goldsmith, 2007; Martin and Turley, 2004; Noble et al.,
2009; Rich, 2008)
“The Dumbest Generation” is a title no group of people want to behold. Nonetheless, people under age thirty have been given this belittling title. To those who go off questions about obsolete general knowledge rather than the ability to take in and evaluate knowledge, this title may seem quite fitting. However, Millennials aren’t quite as dull as they’ve been perceived to be. The ability of Millennials to absorb information, rather than know general facts, and their use of contemporary technology as reading and writing resources has proven that they are quite an innovative and bright generation.
Since both authors can relate to both age groups, they have written this article to describe the reasons behind Gen Y’s characteristics and allow older generations a chance to understand their younger counterparts. The article is written not towards Gen Y but instead is written for their critics. Since the article allows readers inside the lives of Gen Y members, it is directed at people who do not already understand this generation and all it has to offer to the world. The authors’ knowledge of the criticisms that Gen Y faces allows them to portray their purpose to intended audiences. They do all of this while remaining mindful of older generations that work full time and live busy lives by breaking the article up with headings and subheadings that allow readers to read only sections at a
Generation X has formed a strong opinion about Generation Y over the years, claiming that millennials are the laziest generation in history. Technology is said to be a major factor in making life more convenient for millennials, which according the Generation
It appears that Generation Y is executing the wishes that other generations of workers subdue, and are subsequently portrayed as a vocal group by default. As a result of millennials’ demands, various companies are now beginning to conform to the ideas this generation presents. As such, new policies are being implemented,
Generation Y, more commonly referred to as the “millennials”, is today’s group of young people. Similar to other generations, each cohort is labeled with unique characteristics and inevitably faces adversities while taking its place in society. Many American’s today debate their views on the youngster generation, but none the less all sides can agree the discussion has become a hot topic. Catherin Rampell creates an open discussion in her article, A Generation of Slackers? Not So Much, addressing the main issue: Are millennials a generation of slackers. I feel strongly that my views align with Rampell’s, in believing my generation has already begun to show its capability of doing great things. Through analysis of the text and my own personal experience I am able to dispute the opposition towards my generation as well as, express the positive relationship of millennials in
“Bridging the Gaps” began by defining the three most dominant generations in the workforce: Baby Boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964), Generation X (those born between 1965 and 1981) and Generation Y (those born during or after 1982). Wilson stresses the importance of understanding each generation’s unique characteristics to take advantage of their strengths. This approach also minimizes confrontation when multiple generations work together. Wilson lists characteristics such as being entrepreneurial, ardent about social causes, and independent as similarities between Baby Boomers and Generation Y, while Baby Boomers and Generation X both value loyalty, focus on finances and believe in a hierarchy of order. Lastly, Generations X and Y are flexible and technologically savvy.
The millennial generation according to Dictionary.com is “a term used to refer to the generation,
As Andres Tapia mentioned, “ To be young is to be experienced”. Millennials have a different perspective about how to success in life. Since millennials are born during this current era, they have an advantage over people that were born before. With the inclusion of technology, it is easier to learn and apply new knowledge than before. A good example is the “Apps”. It is only necessary to create an app that attracts the interest of many consumers to start making money. Finally, Millenials have the ability to adapt and evolve. Millenials are the representation of
By 2025, about 75% of the American workforce will be made up of Generation Y workers, said Emily Matchar, author of “Why Your Office Needs More Bratty Millennials.” Generation Y, also known as millennials, are those who were born within the years 1982 and 1999. Time management has become a persistent issue for people in the United States because of the lack of flexibility in the workforce. Work is taking over people’s lives. The current generation of workers tend not to demand because of the fear of unemployment; jobs are scarce these days. Generation Y workers have shown that they will not accept today’s hierarchical workplace, on the contrary, they will begin to change the workplace to their likings.
The paradox of "cool hunting" is that it kills what it finds. In America, as well as across the globe, trends are consistently changing and the trend spotters are trying to keep up with the ever changing ideas of today’s teenagers. Every big-city scene-kid or bored teenager in the suburbs stays connected to the moment's hot clubs, restaurants, hobbies and clothing. Trend Spotters travel the world, watch people shop, eat, and mingle, videotape and photograph them, study census data, examine online journals, chat online with tens of thousands of potential customers, and devour every slice of pop culture in order to keep up with the trends.
During Generation Xers formative years, “investigations called into question many major organizations including the U.S. presidency, military, organized religion, and corporations” (Fore, 2013). As a result, this generation generally had little confidence in institutions and instead placed more faith in themselves. At home, Generation Xers became “‘latchkey children’”, who came home from school without a parent or adult supervision, and their mothers now worked outside the home. They were responsible for themselves, and often became dependent on video games and television sets, which resulted in them being characterized as “independent and resourceful” (Fore, 2013). At work, Generation Xers relied on themselves and their peers to accomplish goals, and did not put much hope in companies or organizations. Unlike Veterans, Generation Xers disliked traditional hierarchy, challenged authority, and expected their leaders to demonstrate competence and fairness, as well as embrace a participative and diverse workplace (Fore, 2013). Similar to the Millennial generation, Generation Xers placed a stronger focus on their personal lives much more than the generations before them. “They were likely to stay with one company throughout their career as long as it did not interfere with their private lives” (Gilley & Waddell, 2015). This lack of organizational loyalty is often attributed to
Millennials (people who were born around the early 1980s to the 200s) along with Generation x (1961-1981) and Generation Z (1995-2015), have become victims or criminals to this false online-offline
The technology boom in the 1990’s has provided society with access to large amounts of knowledge through means such as the internet. While most rejoice due to the instant access of information, others argue that it is making the younger generations idle and ignorant. The argument that Generation Y is the ‘dummest generation’ is about as absurd as the argument that there are nazi werewolves living on the darkside of the moon. Technology is just another media through which one can find information, providing an advantage to every person with internet access. If Generation Y is the ‘dummest generation’, then what does that make the generation who raised us?
Every person belongs to a generation: you associate yourselves with a particular set of people usually based on age such as “Baby Boomers” from 1946 to 1964, “Generation X” from 1965 to 1979, and “Millennials” from 1980 to 2000, (Smola, 364). Parents’ generations differ from their children, and sometimes within their significant other. My parents, separated by two years, are both considered “Baby Boomers”, and my sister and I, also separated by two years are both considered “Millennials”. “Generation X” separates our generations, and as you can assume there are many differences between the two: “Baby Boomers” experienced the immense development of the economy and education (Kupperschmidt, 4).
As Generation Y, we are 63 million members strong and spend more than a billion dollars annually (Marketsource). With such spending power it is easy to see why companies choose us as their target market. We have grown up in a "'consumption culture" are "taught that (we) will be satisfied if we purchase products to fill our wants and desires" (Youth in the Third Millennium). Perhaps this need to buy things is only a progression ...