from baby boomers to Gen Z: how generations shape the world

By: Esther N.

Each generation leaves its own mark on the world. For example, Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2010, is considered the new protest generation, while trends like 'tradwives' are emerging among millennials, and baby boomers voted England out of the EU. Generational differences are an age-old phenomenon, with each generation having different perceptions and beliefs. What are these differences? How do they arise? And how do they shape the current world? This article explores the impact of generational differences on contemporary challenges.

emancipation and conservatism: a battle of ideals

Within Generation Z, it is striking that Gen Z women are often more actively involved in feminist issues than their male peers. Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt attributed this to social media. Within the digital environment, figures such as Andrew Tate have been given a platform, making it easy for them to influence the worldviews of media users. Algorithms play a major role in this. While girls are exposed to messages of body positivity, boys are more likely to be confronted with opposing ideals, as represented by Andrew Tate.

A counter-movement towards emancipation is not only seen among the men of Gen Z, but also within the millennial generation. The rise of 'tradwives' is increasingly greater in this generation; these are women who value traditional family roles and present themselves on social media as 'traditional housewives'. This is the antithesis of the 'girlboss' style, where the hardworking woman climbs the career ladder. On social media, 'Tradwives' show what life is like when adhering to old-fashioned gender roles: the woman managing the household and the man working.?

A 2017 study by the Financial Times found that baby boomers think more progressively than their children and grandchildren from the millennial and Gen Z generations. In short, there is a flattening of the progressive trend. As some believe emancipation has gone too far, a conservative counter-movement is emerging, which is reflected in global politics.

climate and work: differences in priorities?

Generational differences are also reflected in climate action. Younger generations show more interest in climate activism. According to an Ipsos report, 51% of young adults (18-34 years) believe that more attention should be given to climate issues in the Netherlands, while older generations believe that the country’s influence on climate change is small (55 to 60%).

In the workplace, Generation Z often faces criticism for their work attitude: preferring more flexible work arrangements, fewer working hours and more attention to the 'work-life balance'. But is the generational impact on work culture really significant? Despite the common narrative about the younger generation’s work ethic, data shows that there is little difference in work attitudes across generations. Employees value similar things in their work. The only difference is the prioritization of these values.

Research by Oyster shows that all generations expect flexible work options, with 76% of millennials, 69% of Gen Z, and 64% of Gen X expressing this expectation. 'Flexible work options' is the second most important priority for all generations. The top priority for all generations is job prestige: Gen X (64%), Baby Boomers (59%), millennials (58%), and Gen Z (53%).

Given this data, it is valuable to look beyond generational labels and shift the focus to life stages. Priorities change throughout a person’s life. At the start of a career, the focus is on building a career and increasing social capital. When a partner, children, or elder care responsibilities come into play, the priority shifts to working efficiently to balance life's demands. For seniors, priorities often shift to sharing knowledge, mentoring, or leaving a legacy.

algorithms: the invisible force behind generational differences?

Given the shifting priorities, stereotypes about generations are understandable. The question is whether we should attribute differences to a generation or to the life stage a person is in. Additionally, the impact of algorithms on age groups using social media should not be underestimated. Algorithms reinforce existing trends and can lead to polarization. Scientific research and public debate highlight the need to take a critical look at the power of algorithms and their role in shaping our generations.

Generations are thus shaped not only by birth years and cultural factors but also by the algorithms that influence their world. The future is being shaped on the streets, in voting booths, and in the invisible world of code and data.