Understanding Today's Generation - Research Paper Example

?One of the most important aspects in seeking to understand society and the means by which it exhibits change is to consider differences that emerge between generations. Many have argued that the past hundred years or so within American history have evidenced several internal shifts, differences of opinion, worldviews, and divergent levels of emphasis. Although there are a range of factors that contribute to this divergence which has been noted, it cannot and should not be ignored that one of the fundamental aspects motivating this divergence and change is with respect to several of the most dominant generations that defined the 20th century. Accordingly, it is necessary to examine and understand the Baby Boom Generation (1946 to 1964) and Generation X (1965 to 1983). As a means of realizing the unique dynamics that existed within these generations and the continued impact upon the way in which development is realized, it will further be necessary to draw a level of prediction with regards to the generation of the Millenials (1984 to 2002). Firstly, with regards to the Baby Boom Generation, one of the most prevalent differentials that exist is with relation to the role that minorities and women play within society as well as the extent to which technology pervades, and the way in which individuals communicate and identify with one another. Interestingly, the interview that was performed helped to highlight this very differential with regards to the way in which technology was seen as one of the most important differentials separating the Baby Boom Generation from that of Generation X, and the Millenials (Martacchio 395). However, what cannot be said is that from the interview that was conducted the individual respondent was of the view that either Generation X or the Millenial generation were “worse” than her own. This is an interesting concept to integrate with due to the fact that pervasive societal knowledge and impressions from the media oftentimes integrate a belief that current society is declining and far worse with respect to overall morality and ethics than the ones which it been evidence previously. However, as stated, neither the research which was performed to inform this particular essay nor the interview led credence to this particular point of view. Said the interviewee with regards to the negative role of technology within current generations and society, “People do not have real face time with each other to communicate verbal or non-verbally” (Holmes 2). In this way, the reader can see that the most important piece of information which was related was with respect to the way in which technology and technological advancement have weakened human communication within current generations. Interestingly, Generation X stands in stark contrast to many of the more rigid and conservative mores and norms that the Baby Boom generation exhibited. Ultimately, before delving too deeply into Generation X and/or seeking to understand prime motivators and reasons for behavioral actions, it must be understood that this was the first generation that grew up in an era that was not defined by the Second World War. Rather, this was a generation of political action, protests, civil rights, and the Vietnam War. In this way, the reader can and should realize the Generation X takes many of the positive features from the Baby Boom Generation as well as many of the positive features from the Millenials. This is due to the fact that, according to the research which has been read to direct this analysis, Generation X traditionally has a work ethic that is on par if not above that of the Baby Boomer generation. Yet a further interesting dynamic exists within this particular generation due to the fact that it was the first generation that was able to integrate directly with the growing technological revolution which took place (Shoch 26). Whereas the Baby Boom Generation was necessitated to create the technological revolution and seek to integrate life within it, Generation X was able to grow up in a world that was increasingly dominated by technology as well as be the first generation to spend the formative years of development surrounded by such high levels of technology. Lastly, in seeking to compare the current generation, oftentimes referred to as the Millenials, this particular generation represents a unique attitude of entitlement. However, rather than merely representing an attitude of entitlement, this generation exhibits a very poor work ethic as has been measured by a range of social scientists as well as informal studies. Accordingly, such an identification of this generation as an entitlement generation is not merely born out of a sense of bias; rather it is born out of the understanding that many of the attitudes and pervasive levels of cultural identification and self identification that exists broadly within this generation bears strong evidence of an egalitarianism and entitlement. The level of entitlement is not merely born randomly and/or for no particular reason. Rather, such a level of entitlement exists due to the fact that this particular generation faces few if any challenges (Walzer & Trower 37). Naturally, seeking to stereotype an entire generation as entitled is in and of itself abroad over simple vocation. However, from even a cursory review of the evidence and scholarship that exists upon such a topic, the reader can come to the quick realization that there is indeed sub-currents of entitlement that pervades what is oftentimes known as the Millennial Generation. Whereas the Baby Boom Generation was consumed with putting the horrors of the Second World War behind them, starting a family, building a life, and creating a bright future for themselves, there was neither time nor energy to broadly be devoted to an understanding of entitlement. Though it is clear that differentials exist between the Millenial Generation, and Generation X and the Baby Boom Generation, there remains a degree of contention with regards to the extent and level to which such differentials are illustrated (Meriac & Bannister 322). By the same token, Generation X was consumed by relevant societal concerns, civil rights, realities of the Cold War, the Vietnam War, and an economy that was ultimately stalled and in recession for a period of almost 10 years. Yet, when one looks at the Millennial Generation, they pervasively demonstrate a noticeably lessened emphasis on work ethics, a more lazy approach to life, and an increasingly dependent, almost addictive, response to current and developing technologies. Works Cited Meriac, John, David Woehr, and Christina Banister. "Generational Differences In Work Ethic: An Examination Of Measurement Equivalence Across Three Cohorts." Journal Of Business & Psychology 25.2 (2010): 315-324. Academic Search Complete. Web. 24 Apr. 2013. Holmes, Diana. Personal Interview. April 20th, 2013. JOSEPH J. MARTOCCHIO, et al. "Unpacking Generational Identities In Organizations." Academy Of Management Review 35.3 (2010): 392-414. Business Source Premier. Web. 24 Apr. 2013. Schoch, Teresa. "Turning The Ship Around With A Four-Generation Crew. (Cover Story)." Information Management Journal 46.4 (2012): 25-29. Business Source Premier. Web. 24 Apr. 2013. Walzer, Susan, and Cathy Trower. "Crossing Generational Divides: Experiences Of New Faculty In Higher Education." Metropolitan Universities 21.2 (2010): 34-43. ERIC. Web. 24 Apr. 2013. Read More