Generation X or Y?

Question

I was born in 1980. Am I officially part of Gen X or Y?

Answer 1

Looking at your socialisation, rather than chronological birthdate is perhaps a more useful way to consider generations.

Generation X is typically characterised by a significant amount of angst about previous generations. Some defeatism about personal circumstances is common. (e.g. AIDS, ozone holes, nuclear holocaust)

Generation Y typically accepts the situation presented but considers that they must become a part of the solution. (greenhouse effects, global warming, globalisation). At the same time though there is characteristics of me-ism in Y. (MP3 players, mobile phones) Strangely in tension to a broader world view though?

These are my personal cognitions about generations. Theres likely a whole range of academic papers on generation differences.

Answer 2

X

Answer 3

Your right on the board between the two. Generation Y are usually the children of older Baby Boomers.

The Baby Boomers were born between 1946 and the early 1960's.

Generation X were born from the mid 1960's to 1982.

Generation Y were born 1980 to 1986. These figures are from Wikipedia.

I would dismiss the last two lots of figures overlapping and look at it pretty much as you being in generation Y. You are too young to be part of the older generation X socially.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generation_...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generation_...

Peter Sheean is an authority on Gen Y

http://www.petersheahan.com.au/cpa/htm/h...

Answer 4

I was born around that time and I consider us the 'Me' generation.

Answer 5

I've heard that it depends on what you remember. Gen X is characterized by not being aware or experiencing the effects of the Vietnam War on society (1970-1980) while Gen Y never really experienced or remembered how America was during the cold war (1980-1990).