In sociology, there is a scientific theory of dividing people into categories according to the periods of their birth years. Based on it, the following groups were identified: baby boomers, X, Y (millennials) and Z (zoomers).
- What is “Generation X”?
- Generation X – main characteristics
- Adaptation to the latest technologies
- Ambition at work
- Independence and autonomy
- Critical thinking and skepticism
- Balance between personal life and work
- Fast adaptation
- Self-sufficiency and independence
- Realism and pragmatism
- Role in society
- Culture and social sphere
- Basic education
- Work and career
- Spiritual values
- Financial side
- Material assets
- Family values
At the same time, generation X is the smallest among them. It is also called “balancing” or “lost”. This is one of the most influential and interesting historical generations.
It unites people born between 1965 and 1980, who have certain character traits and personal qualities that were formed under the influence of various factors.
What is “Generation X”?
The survey revealed a generation of young people who “disrespected the Queen, disrespected their own parents, slept with each other before marriage and preferred to remain in their own surname after marriage.”
However, this article was not published in the journal that commissioned it. Subsequently, Deverson used this research material in the book “Generation X”, jointly published with US journalist Charles Hamblett.
In the 90s, writers Neil Howe and William Strauss published the bookGeneration 13, which listed the key events and circumstances that influenced the formation of the character and characteristics of representatives of Generation X.
Main features of generation X people:
- Distrust of leadership and authority.
- Indifference (political).
- Decreased birth rate.
- A large number of divorces.
- The emergence of contraceptives and their availability.
- Increasing the number of women in the manufacturing sector.
- The end of the Cold War.
- Increased requirements for intellectual abilities.
- Environmental problems.
- Serious disagreements in the educational system and a decrease in its investment.
- The emergence of the Internet.
The concept of “Generation X” is used in social and demographic sciences, culture, and marketing. At the same time, the border periods of births of all generation groups often shift by several years depending on the characteristics of specific regions.
Generation X – main characteristics
Many of them are eyewitnesses to a number of important events, for example, the end of the communist era, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and revolutionary technological progress associated with the advent of the Internet, mobile phones and computer technology.
These factors had a great impact on the world views, lifestyle and values of people who grew up during these years.
Generation X has been able to have a significant impact on society, making a tangible contribution to economic and cultural development, as well as the sphere of high and digital technologies.
Today, many people in this category are at the very top of their careers. They are owners of prestigious businesses and are considered wealthy and self-sufficient.
They simultaneously combine completely opposite character traits, which is quite explainable by the contradictory historical events they witnessed.
Adaptation to the latest technologies
This category of people had to independently adapt to the latest digital and computer devices. They are distinguished by technological literacy and the ability to effectively use modern information and communication technology.
Such representatives of society are active users of various online platforms, instant messengers and social networks for entertainment, work or communication. In addition, most of these people were involved in the development of digital and other intelligent technologies.
But at the same time, they are characterized by only partial dependence on them. They have successfully learned to use the Internet and computers, but they are also interested in direct communication and personal meetings.
Ambition at work
Such people take on the most complex problems and learn quickly. They usually occupy senior or middle management positions in management, economics or law.
Main character traits:
- Autonomy, independence and responsibility.
- Rely only on your own personal experience and knowledge.
- Readiness for change.
- Pragmatism and freedom of thought.
Independence and autonomy
For this reason, most of the representatives of generation X have been accustomed since childhood to independence and adaptation to various life situations.
They are ready to make responsible decisions without relying on the help of other people. They have a clearly expressed desire for independence in absolutely all areas of life – personal relationships, finances and work.
Critical thinking and skepticism
People of this generation are characterized by critical and skeptical thinking. They do not accept generally accepted traditions and authorities. It is important for them to independently analyze, investigate the reliability of information and understand in detail a specific situation.
Balance between personal life and work
It is worth noting that this generation is the first who had to face certain difficulties in combining family and work. Its representatives had to solve problems associated with increased demands in the workplace and at the same time try to devote as much time as possible to their own interests and family.
This helped them in seeking a certain balance between personal life and work, as well as effectively using and valuing their free time.
Such people strive to achieve career growth at work, but at the same time they try to take into account their preferences and not sacrifice personal relationships. They are able to rationally plan their own time, harmoniously distributing it between family, work and friends.
Fast adaptation
These representatives of society successfully and quickly adapted to the fast pace of life and were able to quickly learn to use the latest technologies, most of which were developed by them.
The mentality of these people is expressed in perfect tandem with the Internet and modern technology. They prefer to introduce progressive techniques at work, which is reflected in their career growth and high income.
Self-sufficiency and independence
The main quality in professional activity is responsibility and freedom. People of this generation ignore any prohibitions; there are no authorities for them. They do not like to be bossed around at home or at work.
Self-sufficiency is a key trump card of Gen Xers that sets them apart from the rest of society.
Realism and pragmatism
Generation X is characterized by a realistic and pragmatic approach to life. Such people do not like to romanticize and idealize. They prefer specific practical solutions. Effective and realistic aspects in various areas of life are important to them.
Role in society
Representatives of Generation X differ in many fundamental features from other generations. They have invaluable experience, thanks to which they have a significant impact on society, including shaping its development.
Culture and social sphere
Such people have a great influence on the creation of new social norms and cultural trends. This is due to their unique characteristics, experiences and values.
Basic education
Most members of Generation X went to college, which did not prevent them from achieving high positions and taking leadership positions in the future. This is due to the thirst for knowledge and the desire to obtain it from all kinds of sources.
The main feature of this category of people is an interest in new knowledge and self-improvement in personal and professional terms.
Work and career
They rely only on their own strength, which helps them reach the top in their profession, but often interferes with their personal life.
Generation X is characterized by the following opportunities at work:
- Self-realization and stability.
- Making management decisions.
- Professional growth.
- Adaptations in social networks.
The main task for such representatives of society is hard work to achieve the desired result.
Spiritual values
Moreover, they may have completely different attitudes towards religion – some remain a convinced atheist, while others, on the contrary, are adherents of religious values.
This generation values such qualities in other people as loyalty, friendship and trust. Its representatives are hyper-responsible – they are able to completely forget about themselves, showing concern for others.
Financial side
For Gen Xers, financial stability is important. They try to save money throughout their lives, but at the same time they are completely free to spend it if they want to purchase an expensive and high-quality item.
According to statistics, many people in this category manage to save money even when paying off loans. Sociologists believe that representatives of the X generation are better off than millennials and baby boomers, as they have a higher consumer level.
Material assets
People of this generation have experienced a shortage of services, goods and products. Therefore, today they try to purchase clothes in fashion boutiques, buy prestigious brands of cars, and also live surrounded by maximum comfort and convenience.
But it is worth understanding that at the same time they are completely disinterested.
Family values
Most members of Generation X have experienced parental divorce in their lives. For this reason, they have a developed desire to create stable and strong family relationships.
Such people prefer absolute equality of both sexes and become ideal wives or husbands. Some of them managed to find their ideal, while others were left alone.
They cope well with parental responsibilities in terms of the financial aspect. Their children study in prestigious educational institutions and are fully provided for everything.
For such people, the material basis is key. They try to financially support their children and parents for a long time, so they interact well with different generations.
In addition, these representatives of society strive to pass on their own spiritual values and life beliefs to their children. They significantly influence the worldview about the role of parents in the family and society.
