“At a time when generational conflict – from work attitudes to cancel culture to “OK, Boomer” – is at a level not seen since the 1960s, separating the myths from the reality of generations is more important than ever.” Jean Twenge
This book is absolutely fascinating. Twenge has collated data across many generations and then compared the findings with current events and technological developments over the same periods, with compelling arguments for some of the traits of each generation and potential areas for conflict. The book provides answers to the questions: What causes generational differences? And how can we discover the actual differences among generations?
I found particularly interesting factors such as technology, social media, the ‘slow life trajectory’ and increasing individualism. The causes and effects were not always what I was expecting and were sometimes disheartening.
The book includes hundreds of graphs demonstrating data from different generational groups (simplified and easy to understand) and interesting discussions. Occasionally there are some laugh-out-loud asides as well!
The book is focused on the United States, but many of the topics discussed will no doubt translate into other countries and diverse cultures. Twenge does, at times, compare US data with a broad range of other countries’ data to make relevant comparisons.
In a multi-generational society, and one in which we increasingly do not directly communicate with a broad range of people, this book is essential reading to understand those older and younger, and how and why they may think differently from ourselves!
If you’d like to find out more about what’s in the book, and how we can apply it in situations of intergenerational conflict, you can register for our new Webinar on Demand on Intergenerational Conflict here: https://www.conflictmanagementacademy.com/webinar-on-demand-intergenerational-conflict/
