Generations

The Real Differences between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers, and Silents—and What They Mean for America's Future

De: Jean M. Twenge PhD PhD

Narrado por: Madeleine Maby

A groundbreaking, “lavishly informative” (The New York Times) portrait of the six generations that currently live in the United States and how they connect, conflict, and compete with one another—from the acclaimed author of Generation Me and iGen.

Upending the conventional theory that generational differences are caused by major events, Dr. Jean Twenge analyzes data on 39 million people from robust national surveys—some going back nearly a century—to show that changes in technology are the underlying driver of each generation’s unique makeup. In this revelatory work, Twenge outlines key shifts in attitudes and lifestyle choices that define each generation regarding gender, income, politics, race, sexuality, marriage, mental health, and much more.

Surprising, engaging, and informative, Generations “gets you thinking about how appreciating generational differences can, ironically, bring us together” (Angela Duckworth, New York Times bestselling author). It will forever change the way you view your parents, peers, coworkers, and children, no matter which generation you call your own.

It’s interesting…

I bought this because I truly wanted to understand generations before me and how the future is looking. I know there’s a much larger picture than the one my social networks echo chamber discusses. Some of the facts seem really skewed. I’d be interested in looking at the sources. I also feel like the data for millennials and income is biased, like did it all come from Midwest residents who own homes? Because for those living in major metropolitan areas, the income may appear higher, but cost of living is 40-60% of an individual’s income. More so for me personally, a college grad, earning 20.00/hr in human services, and paying 2400/mo in rent…. Which was a steal.

Anyway, part of my job requires I stay apprised of COL data compared to the average income and the math in this book just isn’t mathing.

The way GenX and Millennials are talked about still perpetuates that negative tone and I was hoping for more factual, less disparaging.

I am feeling underwhelmed, I guess.

Excellent, superbly researched, strong recommend

I picked this book because it’s a strong research which underpins Dr Twenge’s work and to understand the dynamics in my workplace, and in my family. I feel more informed and more empowered by the information, data, and stories to illustrate the facts. I will be recommending this book strongly to human resource professionals, recruiters, educators, parents, and leaders of all kinds in religion, politics, business, nonprofits, government, and education.

Revealing profiles of each generation

As a member of Gen X, I enjoyed the information on all the generations but found the information about Gen Z the most interesting. I have Gen Z children. I’m very curious to see what they add to our culture and civic life.

The writer pulls from a lot of huge data sets and collates the information in a way that is easily digestible. East read and the reader does an excellent job. Highly recommend.

NOT an audiobook

This is one book you have to read and not listen to. There are a ton of lists (mind numbingly boring) and referring to charts and graphs.
I would enjoy reading it though.

Superbly organized and written!

Author Jean M. Twenge PhD utilizes the results of many surveys and studies which include over 39 million people to write this blockbuster book about the generations of US citizens beginning with the Silent Generation (1925 - 1945) the youngest of whom are 77 years old to the Alphas (2013 -2023) the oldest of whom are 10 years old. The audio book is 17 hours long and is supported by a 284 page PDF supplemental of charts and graphs. Realistically, absorbing the information requires a minimum of 50 hours. Generations is superbly organized and written. It is easily the best treatment of the topic available. Ideally Generations is a textbook for a one semester graduate level course.

Whether one wants a deep dive into the information included in Generations or simply to skim the topics for hundreds of interesting facts this book is ideal. It has my highest recommendation.