I’ve been seeing information about “Generation Z” showing up increasingly in the last several months and was pleasantly surprised by some of the broad characterizations that are being made about this newest grouping.
True, we have a tendency to to try and lump people together by generations (Baby Boomers, Millennials, Gen X and so on) and then apply these broad characteristics as if they were all one person. Still, it’s an interesting exercise as it can illustrate some of the broader influences that a particular group of people were exposed to in their formative years and which may inform how they view the world. While these characteristics don’t describe everyone, I think they still have some value.
So, let’s turn back to “Generation Z” or people who were born after 1997 (give or take). The website ZeroCater had a really interesting article that compiled a lot of data and gave a nice snapshot of these generalized Gen Z qualities. VisualCapitalist built on that and created a nice summary table that compares Gen Z to Millennials, their immediate predecessors:
What struck me, however, is that I found some of these traits to be familiar and maybe even a little “old fashioned”… such as wanting to have more face-to-face interactions, a strong desire to save, being more pragmatic and even having an increased level of patriotism (at least here in the United States). As I learn more about them, Generation Z is starting to remind me of those called the “Greatest Generation” or the men & women who were raised during the Great Depression and fought in World War II.
While they certainly had their failings, this Greatest Generation is often held up as the standard by which all following generations are judged. With many of that era passing on, it is comforting to know that some of their most admirable traits are being picked up by their great grandchildren as they prepare to become our next generation of leaders.
Reflecting on this, you can see parallels between the two groups which likely has led to some of these similar world views. For example, they both grew up during times of economic uncertainty (the Great Depression vs. the Great Recession) and have had to face increased threats to our sense of security (both World Wars vs. 9/11 and the war on terror). Perhaps as a result of those and other similarities, I’ve seen the following traits used to describe both generations:
- a sense of personal responsibility & accountability
- a strong work ethic
- being self reliant
- possessing entrepreneurial spirit
- valuing family
- a sense of patriotism and duty to country
While I personally belong to neither of these generations, I have to admit that it pleases and encourages me to see how our newest generation are defining themselves. More will be written in the months and years to come, but I find this early glimpse fascinating and wanted to share it more widely with you.
I close with a final observation and perhaps warning. If America has now reached a point where we are starting to see a cyclicality to our generations, then the Silent Generation – which followed the Greatest Generation and who were known for their focus on careers over activism (perhaps due to the age of McCarthyism where many people were afraid to speak out) – may see some of their traits emerge in the group that follows Gen Z.
It’s not too difficult to imagine, either. In a world increasingly dominated by Internet trolls, sensationalist news and rapidly tweeting politicians and celebrities, it is not hard to imagine society following a similar path in the years to come where people voicing opinions different from the “norm” are cast as villains and fools. If that happens, then those who will follow Gen Z may become a new silent majority afraid to take a stand for what they see is right. Hopefully, we can be more vigilant and avoid the mistakes of our past.
Whatever happens, it is fascinating to see how the evolving world around us impacts the views of each successive generation. There is a lot to like in our youngest today, and hopefully there will be even more to come.
I’m pulling for all of us.
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