Differences Between The Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, And Generation Y

Joanne Bernstein found that “Arts organizations face the challenge of appealing to very different age and life cycle groups” (Bernstein, 2014, pg. 67). Each demographic from the Traditionalists to the teenagers have been exposed to the arts in different fashions, as well as having distinct interests and daily routines. The Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, and Generation X are losing power to Generation Y. Generation Y has become the next big consumer market with around eighty million people who were born between the 1980’s and 1990’s, and some companies are struggling to understand the values and outlooks of this generation (Paul, 2001, n.p.). Marketing must adjust to the changes that organizations face from year to year. The characteristics,
Generation Y constitutes a large percentage within the population of the world. Also known as the “millennial’s”, these confident individuals were born between the 1980’s and the 1990’s, and maybe even the early 2000s. “Gen Yers expect instant gratification and products tailored for them” (Bernstein, 2014, pg. 72). They expect products to be practical, interesting, and to follow the current trends of today’s market (Cambal, 2011, p.g. 1571). Technology has taken over, and this generation relies heavily on emailing, text messaging, and social media. Members of Generation Y do not believe in traditional promotion, process larger amounts of information compared to previous generations (Cambal, 2011, p.g. 1571). Face-to-face communication is diminishing with the use of new technology that allows Generation Y to constantly be plugged in. Generation Y also delivers ambitious and achievement-oriented personalities considering that they are currently the most educated generation (Bernstein, 2014, pg. 72). They are always up for a challenge as well, and they strive to reach their goals. Marketers have to understand the lifestyles of Generation Y in order to build relationships and intrigue their minds for a gratifying
One generation will not necessarily mean that all people within that group have experienced the same events, or have grown up with the same art influences. Marketers will find that consumer behavior contrasts for the older half of Generation Y compared to the younger half of the generation because of new interests and experiences. When companies develop new products, such as a new cell phone, Generation Y will jump on the product because of the new technology. New developments, such as an iPhone, provide instant communication for marketers to take advantage of and reach out to Generation Y, because it incorporates the internet and the ability to browse online (Cambal, 2011, p.g. 1572). Generation Y is always on target with technology and social media, so they will seek information from the internet, but they will also communicate with peers to gain more insight on a product or event. Orchestras are struggling to attract Gen Yers because of ticket pricing, but some orchestras have started to offer free music lessons and concerts within the schools (Bernstein, 2014, pg. 72). Arts organizations are creating new plans and ideas to win the hearts of this generation by offering student pricing and discounts. Generation Y will search for the best deals when making purchase