Generation X
Generation X- The Truths and Misconceptions
Generation X- The Truths and Misconceptions
While generation X encompasses about 50 million Americans born between 1965 and 1980 ( 1965-1976 depending on the information you look at) The term generation X was a term coined long before the generation came into existence. But what does the term mean? Numerous historical events happened during this time; ranging from Neil Armstrong landing on the moon, to U.S troops being sent to Vietnam, but that is not what defines this generation. Some refer to this generation as a group of selfish, lazy, slackers. There are many misconceptions of the motivation and aspirations of the generation that was stereotyped before they were born. While some hold truth, others are as mythical as an urban legend.
Studies have shown that this generation in question, is smaller than generations surrounding it. As of 2011, the population of the United Sates is made up of 24.7% Baby Boomers, or those born 1946-1964, 24.9% Millenias- those born between 1977 and 1992. Generation X only covers 16% of the U.S population, but they are the ones who have been given the bad reputation.
Although many born in this generation would like to be slackers, they are not fortunate enough to have that luxury. During this generation, divorce was on the rise and many children born during this generation were raised by divorced parents. Due to this, they had to become self-sufficient at a young age, becoming “latch key kids”, they had to do many things for themselves. This generation had to make a way of their own with very little help from their Baby Boomer parents, or even society. According to the U.S Census Bureau, as of 2012 there were 49,197,918 Gen Xers. Met-Life surveyed a total of 1,000 individuals born during this generation and found that slackers they are not. 75% of these indviduals are working, with 65% working full time and 10% working part-time. Only 3% of the 1,000 surveyed did not
Generation X- The Truths and Misconceptions
While generation X encompasses about 50 million Americans born between 1965 and 1980 ( 1965-1976 depending on the information you look at) The term generation X was a term coined long before the generation came into existence. But what does the term mean? Numerous historical events happened during this time; ranging from Neil Armstrong landing on the moon, to U.S troops being sent to Vietnam, but that is not what defines this generation. Some refer to this generation as a group of selfish, lazy, slackers. There are many misconceptions of the motivation and aspirations of the generation that was stereotyped before they were born. While some hold truth, others are as mythical as an urban legend.
Studies have shown that this generation in question, is smaller than generations surrounding it. As of 2011, the population of the United Sates is made up of 24.7% Baby Boomers, or those born 1946-1964, 24.9% Millenias- those born between 1977 and 1992. Generation X only covers 16% of the U.S population, but they are the ones who have been given the bad reputation.
Although many born in this generation would like to be slackers, they are not fortunate enough to have that luxury. During this generation, divorce was on the rise and many children born during this generation were raised by divorced parents. Due to this, they had to become self-sufficient at a young age, becoming “latch key kids”, they had to do many things for themselves. This generation had to make a way of their own with very little help from their Baby Boomer parents, or even society. According to the U.S Census Bureau, as of 2012 there were 49,197,918 Gen Xers. Met-Life surveyed a total of 1,000 individuals born during this generation and found that slackers they are not. 75% of these indviduals are working, with 65% working full time and 10% working part-time. Only 3% of the 1,000 surveyed did not
Cited: Demographic profile America 's Gen X. (2013). Retrieved from Met Life: https://www.metlife.com/assets/cao/mmi/publications/Profiles/mmi-gen-x-demographic-profile.pdf Fincher, D. (Director). (1999). The Fight Club [Motion Picture]. Keene PH.D, D., & Handrich PH.D, R. (2012, January 31). Talkin’ ‘bout our Generations: Are we who we wanted to be? Retrieved from The JuryExpert: http://www.thejuryexpert.com/2012/01/talkin-bout-our-generations-are-we-who-we-wanted-to-be/