Generations defined?

Question

How are the generations named; and, what defines them?

Off-hand, I recall some names, but am not sure what characterizes them; and, whether there are more (i.e., Baby Boomers, Baby Busters, Generation X, Generation Y...)

Answer 1

Timmy D's description was well conceived. In addition, the definitions of the cohorts are not exactly agreed upon in terms of time span, for example, some say that gen xers were born between 69 and 80, yet some expand or shrink the span. Furthermore, there are stereotypical conceptions of the group, based on the description of them when they were younger--for example, gen exers are considered to be full of doubt and angst, and they may be rather lazy and indifferent. This definition denies the notion that these individuals have matured, which neglects the notion of lifecourse transitions and maturity. The most recent phenom is the millenial cohort. The millenials are currently characterized by a sense of entitlement, which their parents (mind you, this is a middle-class perspective) have developed via immersing their children in multiple after school activities and developing the notion that children should question adults and treat them as equals. As parents have been overly involved in kids' lives, the sense of independence that they have been trying to instill in their kids by showing them how to achieve independence through involvement with children has actually led to DEpendence on parents. These parents are characterized as "helicopter parents" because they continually hover over their children to ensure that their lives will be orderly, comfortable, and achievement laden. Kids are so used to their parents being involved in their lives and encouraging them through praise that it may be difficult for them to make it in the real world. For instance, kids may expect encouragement and praise from professors once they get to college. Contemporary parents are heavily involved in students' entry into college, and often email and phone professors about their child's progress, which is a great departure from the past, when parents would not likely have had any involvement in their child's life at all once they reached 18 because they were considered adults. Adolescence has become an extended event, lasting even until the late 20's and early 30's, and the millenials may extend it even further. On the other hand, guiding children through life is important for improving their outcomes in adult life. We'll see what happens with this group over time--their parents may be helping them more than they might be hurting them. Hope this helps!

Answer 2

What defines the generations would be dependent upon two major variables. One would be the behavior(s) that this group is demonstrating, e.g., an abundance or procreation which may have led to the term "Baby Boomers". Secondly, it may also depend on our perceptions of their behaviors. For example, in some undeveloped countries where there continues to be an abundance of births, the coined term of baby boomers would probably not even be considered.

As to how generations are named, this again would be due to our perceptions and more importantly, does the term "appear" to be appropriate and is it somewhat of a catchy phrase? If someone would have suggested the term
"baby pro-creators", it is my perception that this term would probably not have come into fruition. Also, why do we call a chair a chair? Probably because our thoughts at the time this term came into the forefront, it made common sense.

Answer 3

the baby boomers were born after the men came back from WW2