Generation - a group of people who were born in a certain period of time and were influenced by the same characteristics of upbringing and events, have similar values. We do not notice all these factors that act inconspicuously, but they are the ones who largely determine our behavior: how we build teams and resolve conflicts, communicate, develop, how and what we buy, how we set goals, what motivates us.
Sociologists distinguish generations X, Y and Z. After reading this article, you will learn which people should be classified as one or another of them, as well as what are the characteristics of each of these groups. Of course, it is only very conditionally possible to distinguish generations X, Y, Z. However, each of them has its own characteristic features by which they differ from each other. The XYZ generation theory is becoming very popular today. We invite readers to get to know her. Let's start with the oldest group, which is distinguished by the theory of generations.
Generation X
These are people born between 1965 and 1982. The term itself was proposed by Jane Deverson, a British researcher, as well as Charles Hamblett, a Hollywood reporter. The writer consolidated it in his work. Events that influenced - “Desert Storm”, the Afghan War, the beginning of the computer era, the First Chechen War. Sometimes people born in these years are already classified as generation Y, and sometimes even as generation Z (although the latter were not included in the project). The letter X sometimes brings together generations Y and Z.
Features of representatives of generation X
People X in the United States are usually called those who were born during the period of decline in the birth rate that followed the population explosion. In 1964, Jane Deverson conducted a study of British youth. It revealed that people belonging to this group are not religious, enter into intimate relationships before marriage, do not respect their parents, do not love the queen, and do not change their surname after marriage. Womans Own magazine refused to publish the results. Then Deverson went to Hollywood to publish a book with Charles Hamblett. He came up with the name "Generation X". Douglas Copeland, a Canadian writer, appreciated this catchy title. He included it in his book. Copeland's work is dedicated to the anxieties and fears of people who were born between 1960 and 1965.
Generation Y
Different people can be classified as this generation, based on different sources. Some argue that this is everyone born since the early 1980s. Others believe that the border should be drawn from 1983 to the end of the 1990s. And some also capture the early 2000s. Another option (perhaps the most convincing) is from 1983 to the end of the 1990s.
It should be noted that for this reason, 2 people who were born only 1-3 years apart can be classified as different generations. What seems more likely to be true is that even two people born on the same day can belong to different generations. It depends on the cultural context, growing up environment, technological, educational and social capabilities of these people.
Traits characteristic of generation Y
The term "Generation Y" was coined by a magazine called Advertising Age. The formation of the worldview of its representatives is believed to have been influenced by the collapse of the USSR, perestroika, terrorism, the dashing 90s, wars (in Chechnya, Iraq, etc.), the international financial crisis, unemployment and rising housing costs, pop culture, television, video hosting. and torrent trackers, the development of the Internet and mobile communications, social networks, computer technology, video games, meme and flash mob culture, the evolution of devices, online communication, etc.
The main thing that can characterize this generation is its involvement in digital technologies, as well as the philosophical paradigm of the millennium (new millennium). In addition, it is characterized by a new round of division between conservative and liberal views. Perhaps the most important thing is the desire to delay the transition of its representatives into adulthood, which in fact is the concept of eternal youth (not without depressive interludes).
Today in sociology there is an acute question about what should be considered adulthood. Larry Nelson suggested that representatives of Generation Y, due to the negative example of their predecessors, are in no hurry to take on the responsibilities of adulthood. This, on the one hand, is truthful and logical. However, on the other hand, this does not take into account the fact that people Y already have different brains. Evgenia Shamis suggested that generation Y does not and cannot have heroes, but there are idols, and subsequently representatives of this generation will become heroes for new ones. Also, people belonging to Y have a special attitude towards corporate culture. They expect benefits and results from work, prefer a flexible schedule, strive to adjust their working conditions to their life, etc. They realized that life is diverse and beautiful, and hierarchy is a convention.
Generation Z
Until recently, Generation Y also included people born before the early 2000s. And only now, after a series of studies, many university journalists and professors, realizing the discordance of the “generation tree,” began to understand that it is incorrect to unite today’s twenty- and thirty-year-olds into one group, since significant differences between them are visible.
Generation Z are people who were born in the early 1990s and 2000s. It is believed that their social and philosophical worldview was influenced by the global economic crisis, the development of mobile technologies, and Web 2.0. Its representatives are considered children of generation X, and sometimes Y.
The fundamental property of the new generation
The fundamental property of the new generation is that it has high technology in its blood. It treats them on a completely different level than even representatives of Y. This generation was born in the era of postmodernism and globalization. It has accumulated the features of predecessors close in time, as well as features that we already feel, but are not yet able to accurately formulate. It will be easier for us to do this in 10-20 years. However, the “building material” is denial of hierarchy, arrogance, narcissism and selfishness.
Possible scenarios for generation Z
It is still not easy to look beyond the horizon in order to understand why human evolution needs these qualities. It is likely that they will begin to serve something that is not fully understood even by today's thirty-year-olds. At present, we can only make timid assumptions that, having suffered from illnesses, this generation, accused of narcissism and selfishness, will take steps towards a balanced lifestyle of the future. It is characterized by work for public benefit and creative pleasure, the creation of a family out of personal feelings, and not because being alone is considered indecent in society, the decision to have a child not in order to avoid loneliness in old age, but in order to convey life values to him. Negative scenarios are also possible for generation Z.
Only time can clarify many things. After all, the oldest representatives of this generation are barely 18 years old. However, they already have a bad reputation. Marketing companies and the media have declared that this generation is “screen-addicted” and has very poor attention spans. The salvation of the world and the need to correct the mistakes of the past are also placed on their shoulders.
Note that the theory of generations often does not have sufficient scientific accuracy, and research in this area is a confusing process. This also applies to recent scientific articles. Many recent studies on generational theory are full of stereotypes and prejudices. Gen Zers do not deserve to be treated this unfairly. Already, this group makes up about a quarter of the population, and by 2020, about 40% of consumers will come from it. Therefore, it is critical for companies to understand this generation.
"Eight Second Filters"
If you believe recent research, it can be noted that Generation Z's attention span has decreased to 8 seconds. They cannot concentrate on anything for a long time. However, it would be more correct to talk about “eight-second filters.” Representatives of this generation grew up in a world in which the possibilities are simply endless, but there is not enough time for everything. This is why they have adapted to the need to evaluate and sift through enormous amounts of information very quickly. In mobile applications and the Internet, they rely on sections and tabs where the most recent and popular content is collected.
Following curators
Representatives of this generation follow the curators. They trust them to try to figure out where the most relevant information and the best entertainment is. All of these tools are necessary for Generation Z to reduce the potential choice from a multitude of options.
However, if this group has deemed something worthy of their attention, they can become dedicated and very focused. The Internet in their era made it possible to study any topic in depth and learn a lot from like-minded people.
This generation's radar is set to find something worth their time. To gain their attention and overcome these filters, you need to provide experiences that are immediately rewarding and highly engaging.
Social interactions
Generation Z is often portrayed in the media as a group of socially inept internet dwellers. Older people cannot understand why young people spend so much time online. However, in reality, this generation is under enormous pressure to manage both professionally and in order to be able to fit into reality and stand out at the same time.
Social media influence
Generation Z, on a personal level, strives to be instantly accepted and validated through social media. This is where important conversations take place and where their peers are located. With the help of social media, they manage multiple personalities in order to be able to satisfy each of the audiences, as well as reduce the risk of conflict.
Generation Z, on a professional level, is very attentive to the negative stereotypes that haunt Generation Y. Its representatives strive to stand out by their ability to survive and work hard offline.
Generation Z is caught between two forces: they need social media to build personal brands, but they don’t want social media to define who they really are. Those who belong to Generation Z strive for social approval, but do not want to be differentiated in terms of profession.
Entrepreneurial spirit
Generation Z has also been dubbed the “entrepreneurial generation” by the media. At the same time, the desire of their representatives to build their own startups is emphasized, and not to be immersed in corporate routine. Although this generation values self-employment, many people in Group Z tend to be risk-averse. They are pragmatic and practical. The entrepreneurial spirit they supposedly possess is more of a survival mechanism than an idealistic pursuit of wealth or status.
While Generation Y has often been criticized for not being focused enough, Gen Z wants to plan long term. Parents belonging to X (individualists who rely on themselves) influenced them greatly. They want to avoid the mistakes made by their Group Y predecessors.
To overcome their inherent anxiety, they want to find work in growing fields that are not heavily automated: medicine, education, sales, etc. At the same time, they are developing fallback options in order to apply them if the labor market will change quickly.
The truth is in the middle
Society tends to either criticize youth for doing things differently or romanticize it. However, in reality, Zorro Generation (Z) falls somewhere in the middle. Its representatives face problems that arise at a certain stage in everyone’s life: separation from parents, starting a career, forming a personal identity. However, they have to do this in a fast-paced technological era.
So, you have briefly become acquainted with such an interesting topic as the theory of generations. In Russia, its adaptation was carried out in 2003-2004. a team led by Evgenia Shamis. This theory itself originated in the USA. Its authors are considered to be William Strauss and Neil Howe. In 1991, the Howe-Strauss theory of generations was created.
Material from the site
Generation Y emergence time
Generation Y, or as it is also called generation Millennium– these are people who were born between 1981 and 2003. It must be said that in different countries, depending on political, economic, and social conditions, the reference date for this generation changes. So, if in the United States generation Y includes people born in 1981, then in Russia the time of the “Greeks” began later, in 1984, after the collapse of the USSR with the beginning of perestroika.
The main events that shaped the values of generation Y in Russia: - the collapse of the USSR;
- terrorist attacks and military conflicts;
- increasing consumption of alcohol and drugs by the country's population, and especially young people;
- development of digital technologies, Internet.
Generation Y values
Generation Y in business
Young people under 30 are the largest audience among young businessmen, founders or participants of new projects, and simply people who work for themselves (freelancers). There are several reasons for this love for “free swimming”:
1) The emergence of a market economy during their childhood. Future entrepreneurs observe the picture of business development from an early age and adapt to these realities. Naturally, the legislation of the new country played an equally significant role, where any methods of making money that are not prohibited are allowed. Therefore, the conclusion: generation Y is a product of new times.
2) Reluctance to work in teams and companies where the rules of the “old regime” apply. It is psychologically uncomfortable for young people to work in a team with the older generation, who live according to their own values. And it is not easy to work under leaders who held administrative positions during the “building of communism.” The point here is not even a generational conflict. These are just different people, with different values, different worldviews and different views. As a result, it turns out that young employees prefer either to work in a team of their peers (which is about 80% of the total number of vacant jobs) or to start their own business, choosing their own assistants and partners.
Self-realization and development of the new generation
As a result, we can form the following picture of the vision of Generation Y:
1) They are not tied to one workplace. They believe that regularly changing jobs is in the order of things. The main thing is to develop yourself as a specialist, and in which companies it does not matter, your career does not depend on the employer. Naturally, employers also understand this state of affairs. As a result, in order to get a job, a young specialist must thoroughly prove that he needs this job (long-term selection of candidates for a vacant position, fairly long internships and practice before official employment, slow salary growth in the first years of work, etc.) . Young workers themselves believe that this is an infringement of their working rights, but in fact this is only an adequate reaction to the excessive “career mobility” of Generation Y.
2) They are not even attached to their own business. The love of freedom, the ability to manage their personal time and independence are the reasons that Generation Y chooses this type of business as project work.
This is self-employment, which has a start time and an end time when the final goal is achieved and the finished product can be offered on the market. Large corporations and other companies also see their benefit in this: young professionals do not want to work for them, sitting in an office and adhering to corporate rules, but they want to sell the results of their activities to these companies. The latter, in turn, do not mind receiving a finished product, in which they do not need to invest money and spend their own reserves to achieve the goal.
3) Generation Y has become the “pioneers” of such a type of employment that is so specific to the older generation as remote work or freelancing. If a young specialist is given a choice about how to work: on a flexible schedule or remotely, preferences are divided approximately 50:50, depending on the specifics of the work and the life circumstances of the young specialist.
Literature and links
- “Demoskon Weekly” No. 381, E. Mitrofanova “The history of the emergence of the theory of generations”
- Natalya Sokolova “Generation Igrek” “Profile” No. 34 (685).
- Announcement of the magazine “HR Management”, October 2007
- Subscription to the HR Management magazine at the E-xecutive Kiosk
- E. Shamis, A. Antipov “Theory of Generations”
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In 1991, American scientists Neil Howe and William Strauss created the theory of generations. According to it, every 20–25 years a new generation of people is born with character traits, habits and characteristics that set them apart from everyone else and are then repeated in future generations.
Having studied in detail the work of scientists, website I’m ready to talk about the last 4 generations that we often encounter today.
Howe and Strauss gave a name and compiled a description for each of the generations starting from 1433. However, we are interested in representatives of the last four generations, whom we often meet today and who can easily fit into one conventional family: the youngest - Vanya ( generation Z), his' elder sister ( generation Y), Vanya's dad ( generation X) and grandmother ( generation "Baby Boomers"). Let's tell you more about each.
Generation "Baby Boomers"
Dates of birth: from 1943 to 1963
Grandmother is 72 years old. She goes to the pool several times a week, visits spa salons, bakes incredibly delicious pies, and feels energetic and healthy.
Grandma's generation is called "Baby Boomers". It received this name due to the post-war surge in birth rates. Representatives of this generation have a high level of patriotism. These people are optimists, they are characterized by team spirit and collectivism. It is important for them to help each other, to work together and together.
They can do almost any manual work: They cook, sew, fish well, are educated and knowledgeable in many sciences. Many of the boomers are active, going to fitness centers, mastering gadgets and traveling. And, we repeat, they are distinguished by enviable health and energy.
Generation X
Dates of birth: from 1963 to 1984
Dad is 47 years old. He has been working for a well-known construction company for over 20 years. He started from the lowest position and now holds the post of deputy director. He is hardworking, responsible, and likes to do all the difficult work himself.
Vanya's dad is a bright representative of generation X. Generations of loners focused on hard work and personal success. These are people who, from childhood, were accustomed to being independent: they did their homework themselves, got ready for school, prepared their own lunch, and did most things without outside help.
Generation X people tend to They are distinguished by global awareness, technical savvy and independence in almost everything. Most often, they prefer to work for 30–40 years in the same organization, gaining experience and rising from the lowest level to supervisors and directors.
Generation Y (or Millennials)
Dates of birth: from 1984 to 2004
Vanya's older sister is 23 years old. She studies abroad, has thousands of followers on Facebook, and often visits new cafes, parties and creative exhibitions with friends. She is a member of Generation Y, or Millennial.
Millennials are people who are often referred to as the “social media generation.” The environment around them has changed incredibly quickly, which is why millennials are not like their parents. Prestigious work and career growth are not for them. They are not ready to work for one company for many years; they prefer a flexible schedule and immediate reward for the work done.
As a rule, these are energetic people who easily adapt, are able to perform work in huge volumes, and constantly strive for new knowledge and development. They understand that time moves quickly, so they do not want to be a narrow specialist, but develop in different areas at the same time.
Generation Z
Dates of birth: from 2004 to present
"On the golden porch sat: Tsar, prince, king, prince, shoemaker, tailor... Who will you be?"
Today I'll tell you about the theory of generations X, Y, Z
In 1991, a book was published that essentially predicted the September 11 terrorist attack and the 2008 financial crisis in the United States.
Former US Vice President Al Gore called the book "Generations" the most inspiring book about history: "If the United States survives quietly until 2015, then their work will be forgotten, but if they are right, then they will take a place among the great American prophets."
The idea is that generations that have the same historical experiences early in life form a collective portrait and live according to similar life scenarios. Values are formed by the age of 11-12 under the influence of historical events (war, human space flight, perestroika, etc.).
Generations X and Y These are those who are now from 31 to 45 years old, the second are from 21 to 30 years old. The generation of schoolchildren and to some extent the 20s are classified as Z.
Below I will give a description of each generation, and you try to relate them to yourself. We'll have a poll at the end)
So, the average basic duration of “generations” is about 20 years.
However, there are no exact boundaries separating one generation from another. People can belong to different generations depending on their growing up environment, social, educational and technological opportunities, as well as trends. Some people grew up alone, while others have younger or older brothers or sisters - this also leaves an imprint.
Researchers identify border zones - this is a period of plus or minus three years from the “official” date of the appearance of the new generation.
People born in this zone share the values of both generations, which gives them greater flexibility and adaptability. This is true called "border guards"
Generation X- the term was first used by Jane Deverson in a 1964 study of British youth that identified a generation of teenagers who “sleep with each other before marriage, don’t believe in God, don’t like the Queen, don’t respect their parents and don’t change their surname when they get married.” "
Typically, X's were born from about 1963/65 to 1982/84.
Main distinguishing feature- they are very independent, since they grew up in conditions of autonomy - no one told them when, where and what to do. They themselves came from school, warmed up lunch, and went for a walk. That's what they called them - "children with a key around their neck."
Parents were too busy at work and these children learned to occupy themselves. The Xs were left alone for days on end.
They received little parental warmth, but many gifts. Therefore, as adults, they formed a “consumer boom”, buying everything that moved.
Self-reliance goes hand in hand with autonomy. They rely only on themselves. and are reluctant to share information (information is value). They thoroughly delve into everything they do and also strive to establish useful connections.
Generation X - generation lost faith in everything- in their parents, social institutions, social structure... They are more pragmatic than romantic.
Main characteristics of Generation X
1) increased intellectual abilities, global awareness, technical literacy, desire to learn throughout life;
2) pragmatism and self-reliance; autonomous work; desire to hide information; survival in critical situations.
3) dissatisfaction with the authorities, lack of trust in leadership and enormous political indifference;
They are sometimes called "Generation" Wanderers" - they are born during social ideals and spiritual quests.
The Travelers grow up as vulnerable children, come of age as alienated young adults, become pragmatic adult leaders, and enter old age after this period with more vitality.
This generation was greatly influenced by the Afghan and Chechen wars, the end of the Cold War, the beginning of the era of personal computers and the advent of the Internet. They love their computers, nature and fast food from McDonald's (even if they don't talk about it :)
Millennials or Generation Y
In the USA, the “Greek” generation is associated with the rise in the birth rate, which began in 1981-1982, and in Russia it includes the generation born with 1983 to late 1990s.
In general, the beginning of a new generation is a controversial issue. So “border guards” born from 1981 to 1985 will have to identify themselves independently :)
Main characteristics of Generation Y
The Y generation is in no hurry to take on the responsibilities of adulthood because of the negative example of the previous generation (their parents got married early, divorced early, went to work early).
They tend to delay the transition to adulthood for a longer period than their peers in previous generations, and also stay longer in their parents' home.
They are called " Peter Pan generation“, - the concept of eternal youth is close to them.
Generation Y grew up in hothouse conditions: they always had food, toys, money. “Yers” are used to having all their desires fulfilled, they are somewhat idealistic and even impractical, but what frustrates the “Xers” most is that they are poorly adapted to the world around them.
The relationship between generations X and Y can be illustrated by this dialogue:
- hello, egg!
- I'm a chicken...
Often Y cannot reveal their talents - they need an experienced mentor. In this regard, “Xers” and “Yers” are able to develop each other: “Xers” bring the “Yers” down to earth, and “Yers” show their elders how to live here and now.
Y is called " generation of disappointed hopes": they expected more from life than they received by thirty. They are characterized by an increase in involvement in the life of the team.
They especially often complain about the lack of feedback and information at work and in the family circle. They need nuances, they want to understand what still needs to be worked on, and where everything is already going well, it is important for them to share what they experience.
Baby Boomers and Xers complain that Ys read few books, and Yers themselves use completely different formats for development - travel, communication, videos, gadgets.
For Millennials, caring for the environment and integration into the global space are important. They often challenge accepted rules and are distinguished by a “horizontal” vision of social contacts. They believe that what is effective is a team that may not need a leader at all.
While baby boomers and Xers adhere to a hierarchical paradigm of social interactions.
The main complaint of hyper-responsible “Xers” to Ys is the lightness of the latter, the desire to try everything without staying long at one job, and excessive emotionality.
Representatives of the Y generation will often change jobs. They need everything and preferably at once: the world is changing too quickly. Hence another name for generation “Y” - generation of trophies, since they want impact from their work and more participation in decision making, they prefer to use flexible working hours.
The values of a generation become what is in short supply. When baby boomers grew up, books were rare—and they were extremely important to them.
"Xers" give children the opportunity to learn foreign languages - in their time it was a passport to the world of success, and "Ygreks" consider it important to teach their descendants the art of communication.
X and Y - the so-called " digital immigrants", since they were born when many modern technologies did not yet exist. And their children - generation Z - are already the first truly digital generation .
After the millennials, the “young, long-legged and politically savvy” have grown up. They are also called "Generation MeMeMe" - generation "YAYA" or generation Z.
They grow up in the era of the Internet and the rise of social media and do not even remember a time without the Internet in their immediate access...
Their worldview was influenced by the global financial and economic crisis, Web 2.0 and the development of mobile technologies.
Obsessed with techno-fetishes, taking comical selfies in toilets and elevators, they bring mats to spend the night under the doors of Apple Stores...
In the digital world, they are locals, not immigrants. They are called Digital Natives.
There is significant variation in their dates of birth. Many are inclined to believe that these are people born from 1993/98 to 2014, with 1996 and 2010 most often mentioned as boundary dates.
In general, they are still schoolchildren, but are already approaching 20 years old.
Z are very loyal to brands and stick to certain ones throughout their lives. In the long run, this is a jackpot for the fashion business...
Although they are more likely to take risks and rarely wear seat belts, they have lower rates of teenage pregnancy and drug and alcohol abuse compared to Ys.
Generation Z called a generation Artists .
They are overprotected by crisis-focused adults, come of age as socialized opportunists in a post-crisis world, become action-oriented adult leaders, and mature into thoughtful older adults.
Generation Z will be affected by overprotection. After school they study in clubs or with tutors. As a result, the Zetas experience a lack of communication with their peers. They understand gadgets and technology better than they understand people’s emotions. But family will be of great value to them: it is the only thing that is safe in their world.
The next generation after Z is Generation Alpha - "Alpha people" - already among us. They were born approximately after 2010-2011 in families X and Y. Their parents will be people who decided to have offspring after thirty. Alpha people are predicted to be more balanced, positive, and less aggressive.
Wait and see...
Generation Y or the Millennials generation, as well as the next generation, the network generation, millennials - the generation born after 1981-1983, who met the new millennium at a young age and are characterized primarily by deep involvement in digital technologies. When the term was coined, Generation Y was contrasted with Generation X, which corresponds to the previous demographic generation. The term Yllo (Young Liberty Love) is often used.
Before starting a conversation about the characteristics of a particular generation, it is necessary to make a historical and chronological explanation.
The founders of the theory of generations as such are the Americans Neilly Howe and William Strauss. In Russia, the application of this theory has its own specifics, since the events under the influence of which our generational values were formed are somewhat different from the American ones.
So, according to American scientists, five generations can be counted since the beginning of the twentieth century:
Those born between 1900 and 1923 were classified as GI - the “generation of winners”. Their values were formed before 1933. In Russia, this happened under the influence of the revolutionary events of 1905 and 1917, collectivization, and electrification. Hard work and responsibility, as well as adherence to ideology, were the hallmarks of a person of this generation as a worker.
Following them, from 1923 to 1943, the “silent generation” was born, which was formed before 1953 and was distinguished, according to the observation of the American founders of the theory, by patience and law-abidingness. In addition to the Great Patriotic War, Stalin’s repressions and the restoration of the destroyed country had a decisive influence on these people. Among the main values of this generation are loyalty, adherence to rules and laws, respect for position and status, honor and patience.
The baby boomer generation, associated with a surge in birth rates, came into this world in 1943 - 1963 and grew until 1973. In the USSR, its growth occurred under the influence of the Soviet “thaw”, the conquest of space, the improvement of the world superpower and the presence of the Cold War. As workers, these people are optimistic, interested in personal growth and rewards, while at the same time they are distinguished by collectivism and a well-developed team spirit.
1963 – 1983 (education, accordingly, continued until 1993) – the emergence of “generation X”, or the “unknown generation”. The continuation of the Cold War, perestroika, AIDS, drugs, the war in Afghanistan - all this, according to experts, shaped the readiness of these people to change. They are characterized by global awareness and technical literacy, as well as individualism, the desire to learn throughout life, pragmatism, and self-reliance. But this strong and numerous generation also feels that young people are stepping on its heels.
And young people are precisely “generation Y,” which we will try to dwell on in more detail. The years of birth of the “Greeks” are 1983 – 2003. Their life values continue to form even now.
According to a survey on the topic “What is most important to you in life?”, conducted by the organizers of the round table of the same name on the social network Vkontakte, the majority of young people put learning something new and self-improvement in first place. In second place by the number of votes is the desire to create a strong and loving family.
These results are very different from the priorities of Generation X. And of course, their life values differ, but this is precisely the secret of moving forward.
As mentioned above, generation Y was greatly influenced by the development of network communication technologies, such as e-mail, short message service, instant online messaging and other new media resources such as video hosting YouTube and social networks (Livejournal, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and etc.).
One of the most important distinguishing features of the psychology of modern youth is multitasking in the use of communication tools: they can chat with several people at the same time, read the text of a website on a distant topic, and follow updates on Twitter and blogs. Among them, the consumption of media such as television and radio has been reduced tenfold.
Children of the Russian millennium
“The children of the Russian Millennium are, perhaps, the first generation that does not have heroes, but has idols. We assume that they themselves will become heroes and models for other generations, despite the fact that they do not always want to be such.” - Coordinator of the project “Theory of Generations in Russia-Rugenerations” Evgenia Shamis
The person who once said that young people will be perceived negatively at any time was right. The older generation will always look at the younger generation a little askance, and sometimes even with caution. And what is evident is not so much a conflict of generations or a difference in the views of fathers and children, but a natural precaution towards everything new and still little known.
In order to properly understand the character of modern Russian youth, we need to turn to the time when they came of age.
Modern “young people” are people under 30 years old - that is, as already indicated, the generation of the late 80s and early 90s. In literature, there is such a thing as the “lost youth” of that time. She got lost in the labyrinth of changes that were taking place in our country at that time. She became lost both for the state and for the older generation.
A colossal revaluation of values and an irrevocable change in all ideals made itself felt.
Thus, the childhood of modern “young people” did not pass in the easiest conditions. Over time, these conditions broke some, led them down the wrong path, taught some to be cynical about everything and everyone, while others made them stronger and more purposeful. And the latter are the absolute majority. Otherwise, there would be no news about more and more Olympiads won by Russian students, and we would not rejoice at the sporting achievements of our young compatriots.
Of course, problems exist: drugs, alcoholism, and teenage recklessness. But here, as with any rule, there are exceptions. And, of course, you cannot put all young people under the same standard. People with immoral behavior have existed and most likely will always exist.
By the way, now we hear less and less criticism of young people. The older generation, those people who have something to compare with, understand that life changes, the world is not static, and a person, like a litmus test, reacts to the slightest changes. And if anywhere you can hear the notorious: “We were different at your age,” then, as a rule, with the addition: “It’s true, the time was different...”.
Much of what people could once only dream of has become within reach and everyday life for today’s youth; moreover, it has become the order of things. The Internet, video communication, satellite telephone and other technological advances make a person absolutely mobile and independent. And all this left a certain imprint on the character and behavior of young people.
Probably, unlike older generations, this generation is not ready to die for the sake of a universal idea, but it can just as successfully bring something new, go beyond established boundaries and expand the horizon of its actions. All this is possible thanks to inner freedom and the ability to navigate many aspects of modern life.
Previous generations first started families, then started careers - and more often did this simultaneously and immediately. Today, young people see and understand that having this approach to life, their parents divorced long ago and to this day have a job they don’t like. Most millennials also want a family, but they want to make the right choice the first time, and the same thing happens with work. But, again, every rule has its exceptions.
"Trophy Generation"
Another name for generation Y is the “trophy generation.”
This term reflects the tendency of modern character to manifest itself in competitive activities, as well as in other areas of life, where there is no winner and loser, since time after time “friendship wins” and everyone receives “gratitude for participating in the competition.”
A survey among employers confirmed that the younger generation manifests itself in the same way in corporate culture. Some employers note that young people have too high expectations from their employment; they prefer to adapt working conditions to their lives, and not vice versa. However, they are able-bodied, want impact from their work and greater participation in decision-making, and often prefer to use flexible working hours.
PricewaterhouseCoopers expert Svetlana Kulganek gave an interesting presentation on the topic of employers' attitude towards people of generation Y. According to her, working with generation Y is one of the most important tasks.
Young people representing the modern labor market will be actively working in the next ten years. The main features of this generation are as follows: the guys are focused on education more than on work, they strive to go to large cities and other countries, they have clear requirements for employers, and a well-formed worldview. They don’t want to work according to the principle of “this is how it should be”; they need interest in what they do.
The presence of career priorities and obligatory interest are, perhaps, the main features of generation Y.
Yers, as a rule, do not have such a deep fundamental education as Xers, and many of them prefer to develop simultaneously in several areas. They are distinguished by high learning ability, versatility and quick adaptation. Therefore, by the age of 23, many people already have more than one education diploma, often in completely different fields, which is reflected in their behavior on the labor market. Among them, short-term retraining and advanced training courses are in great demand, helping to save time, which is highly valued by them.
And although representatives of generation Y are mostly people with higher education, they do not always become “white collar” workers and often find themselves in a variety of areas of business, be it manufacturing and the extractive industry or, say, public service. Considering the abilities and love of young people for new technologies, many of them, unlike Generation X, easily master professions related to communications and IT. The Igreki also enjoy conquering completely new areas where there is not yet much competition.
Youth about youth
Immersing myself in aspects of modern trends in personality development, I still became interested in how young people themselves characterize themselves? And is she satisfied with the behavior of her peers? Here's what I found out:
Elena, 19 years old
The modern young man is bright, dynamic, self-sufficient, independent, constantly on the move and searching. Modern students have a desire to study in order to get a decent and interesting job in the future, so as not to depend on their parents and grandparents. Many accuse young people of passivity and inaction. This is wrong. Even during their studies, modern students try to earn extra money to help their parents. In any case, I try and so do my friends.
Kirill, 30 years old
Modern young people, especially teenagers, are always surrounded by temptations: bright color advertising beckons them to drink beer; a famous actor encourages you to smoke, promising an instant solution to all problems; The slot machine makes you thirsty for easy money. The unstable child's psyche is very sensitive to such things. You need to constantly control yourself, not give in to temptations, not get into bad company... I, in turn, could not avoid this, as a result - I have not been able to quit smoking for 10 years now.
Sergey, 25 years old
Modern youth, in my opinion, are frivolous and want everything at once. It seems to me that our generation has not yet fully comprehended its destiny and does not have clear plans for the future. Perhaps this is due to general instability and the fact that this very future is not yet known to anyone.
Kira, 18 years old
Whatever the current generation, it is important to remember one thing: in order to preserve the connection between generations and times, we must pass on to our children the most valuable things that our parents taught us. After all, there are two eternal things in the world: the sky above our heads and the youth of our souls. Both are equally important for everyone. And woe to those who see only gray clouds in the sky, and measure the age of their soul only by the years they have lived.
Anna, 29 years old
I agree, a qualitative “conflict” between generations has always existed. We can say that this is quite normal, because there is a clear difference in interests, value systems, etc. But here it should be noted that the most important thing in society is morality, spiritual values and ethics. Today's youth are in no way to blame for what is happening, because alcohol, drugs, the sex industry, and luxury goods are produced under the patronage of the older generation (the capital is in their hands). Also, a certain part of the blame lies with the government, because... There is a complete absence of state, civil and moral ideology in the country. Man as a whole, and especially the younger generation, needs ideological direction and a visible outline of vital principles.
Of course, the younger generation can always be reproached with something. After all, they have energy, but still little experience. At the same time, approximately the same can be said about the previous generation: after all, they have experience (even if not always positive), but they no longer have energy.
Generation Y are the guys who want everything at once. They are not ready to put up with routine and uninteresting work, and do not want to separate work from self-realization. They will not do something now for the sake of the future, put off good things for later, and endure hardships today. They want to leave their mark, not be a cog in the mechanism. Not to lay bricks, but to build a temple - that’s what they want. And to make life interesting, you want to be part of something big, achieve something, grow and develop, change the world around you, and not just make money. They are ready to work hard - but only on the condition that they see what they are doing it for.
