Generation "X"

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The term “Generation X” was coined  in a 1964 pop sociology study conducted by two British journalists, Charles Hamblett and Jane Deverson, who used the term to describe their subjects, British teens, whom they interviewed on matters of sex, money, parents, and politics. In 1976 Generation X, a British punk band featuring Billy Idol, hit the London scene. The term was later popularized in the 1991 book by Douglas Coupland entitled, Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture. In that novel, Coupland allocated the letter “X” to the generation because of their random, contradictory and ambiguous ways.

Generation X can technically be defined as the generation following the Baby Boomers. Gen Xers were born between 1965 and 1980, or 1961 and 1981, or 1964 and 1979, or 1963 and 1979, or 1965 and 1975 or since the mid-1960s, depending on which source you use.  Generation X has around 51 million members.

Generation X grew up in a very different world than previous generations. Divorce and working moms created "latchkey" kids. This led to traits of independence, resilience and adaptability. Generation X feels strongly that "I don't need someone looking over my shoulder." This generation's main characteristics include being practical, self-reliant and individualistic. They are not too keen about rules and traditions.  They tend to have deep mistrust for institutions. Some experts claim that Generation X is frustrated, cynical and have often been described as “slackers.” They have been typified as wearing grunge attire, listening to alternative music and living with their parents since they cannot go out and get real jobs. Unfortunately, this description of Generation X has stuck. At the same time, this generation expects immediate and ongoing feedback, and is equally comfortable giving feedback to others. Other traits include working well in multicultural settings, desire for some fun in the workplace and a pragmatic approach to getting things done.

Many people belonging to Generation X matured at the time of recession. Hence, many could not find jobs after finishing high school or college. This coupled with their attitude and habits made it difficult for some to obtain gainful employment.  Thus, Generation X became disillusioned. Even today, the generation harbors deep disdain towards bureaucracy and corporate politics. Generation X saw their parents get laid off or face job insecurity.  Many of them also entered the workplace in the early '80s, when the economy was in a downturn. Because of these factors, they've redefined loyalty. Instead of remaining loyal to their company, they have a commitment to their work, to the team they work with, and the boss they work for. For example, a Baby Boomer complains about his dissatisfaction with management, but figures its part of the job. A Gen Xer doesn't waste time complaining-she sends her resume out and accepts the best offer she can find at another organization.

Generation X does takes employability seriously. But for this generation there isn't a career ladder. It's more of a career lattice. They can move laterally, stop and start, their career is more fluid. Remember, it was the members of Generation X who have created some of the greatest technological inventions of the 21st century, like Amazon, Google and YouTube all because they valued their independence at their workplace.

Modern vs. Postmodern

The members of Generation X are arguably natural products of the intellectual atmosphere in which they grew up, for they are the first generation to be raised in the age of postmodernism, a widespread cultural development of the last quarter of the twentieth century. This paradigm shift marked a generational difference between Generation X and their baby boomer parents. Understanding the transition from modern to postmodern culture is necessary to understanding Gen Xers.

·         Modernism values a single worldview rooted in objective science.

·         Postmodernism values multiple world-views based on subjective experiences and contingencies.

·         Modernism gathers information and knowledge are in a linear fashion.

·         Postmodernism (Generation X) seek out information from fragmented and nonlinear sources, such as hypertext, visuals, and audio sampling.

·         Modernists revere classical art and literature.

·         Postmodernists broaden their frame of reference to include pop-culture productions such as music videos and animation.

·         Modernists view institutions such as government, education, corporations, and media as authoritative.

·         Generation X views these same institutions with suspicion, cynicism and a critical eye.

chris