Differencence Of Generations: Attitudes Across The Ages

Generations: Attitudes Across the Ages

As time ticks on and the world changes, some generational values are left behind and new ones emerge as circumstances change and technologies evolve. With more generations working together than ever before, it can be a challenge to understand one another and work out generational differences. Generational lines are imprecise and culture driven, but each one spans for about twenty years before a new one is created. There are four primary generations today: Traditionalists (born from 1925-1945), Baby Boomers (1946-1964), Generation Xers (1965-1980), and Millennials (1981-2000). The next generation has started, but it is not yet old enough for a strong grasp on their values. Each generation brings unique values, ideals, expectations, attitudes, and perspectives into the ever-changing world, and they need to be shared and their differences addressed in order for generations to reach an

With now four generations in the workplace and five in families, Haydn Shaw states that “These generations might as well be from different countries, so different are their cultural styles and preferences” (4). Something can seem completely alien to the the previous or next generation. Traits, attitudes, beliefs, values, and opinions emerge differently with each generation’s set of experiences. W. Stanton Smith states that “research has shown that a generation can be characterized by a certain set of attitudes and beliefs — even if not all in the group share the majority’s views” (12). Overall, Traditionalists typically hold traits of loyalty, patriotism, and hard work dear to them. Baby Boomers generally hold attitudes of optimism, personal gratification, and a strong work ethic. Generation Xers typically have characteristics of independence, self-reliance, and adaptability. Millennials tend to possess traits of flexibility, technological acuity, and