The time boundaries between generations are never completely precise. Although social scientists generally agree on the periods into which generations are divided, there is no clear boundary indicating when one generation ends and the next begins. However, knowing the approximate dates and events that characterize each generation helps us better understand ourselves and the world we live in.
Researchers typically view generations as groups of people born at approximately the same time—usually within a span of about twenty years. Each generation shares common experiences and historical moments that shape its values, behaviors, and attitudes. These events influence everything from how people raise their children to their attitudes toward society, work, and technology.
However, according to a recent study (“Are Generations a Useful Concept?“, Costanza et al., 2023), although the commonly accepted time frames and names of generations are popular, there is no convincing scientific evidence that these groups actually function as homogeneous social units with their own unique values and behaviors. This means that we talk about generations more as a sociocultural construct than as a strictly scientific category.
The idea of dividing people into generations and pitting them against each other is a relatively new invention. For a long time, the word “generation” simply meant a relationship between relatives—grandfather, father, son. It was not until the 19th century that people began to use it to describe groups that had experienced the same historical events.
As noted in an article in The Atlantic (“Generations Are an Invention—Here’s How They Came to Be” Sarah Laskow, 2014), the concept of “generation” took shape precisely then—when society began to think of history as a sequence of separate eras with different group experiences. Historian Robert Wall notes that before the 19th century, the term had a purely biological meaning, but later became a cultural marker.
Sociologist Karl Mannheim also develops this idea, emphasizing that young people who share similar historical experiences and challenges can be viewed as belonging to the same generation. This gave rise to the concept of “generations” as a social and cultural unit—not simply a family unit, but a historical one.
However, scientific literature warns that dividing people according to their year of birth is an analytical convenience, but not an absolute truth. Contemporary research shows that individual differences are often stronger than the common characteristics of a given “generation.”
The Greatest Generation (1901–1927)
The generation known as The Greatest Generation grew up during the Great Depression and lived through the horrors of World War II. These are the people who literally built the modern world after the devastation of war. They are known for their discipline, dedication to work, and strong sense of responsibility.
Culturally, we associate this generation with jazz and swing music, with the first forms of modern urban culture, but also with traditional values such as modesty, duty, and morality. According to research, this is the generation that most strongly believes in the idea of the common good and the importance of family as the foundation of society.
The Silent Generation (1928–1945)
After them comes the so-called Silent Generation. It gets its name from the conformism and caution of people who grew up during the Cold War and the fear of communism, also known as the era of the Iron Curtain. They witnessed economic instability, but nevertheless developed a strong work ethic and respect for order and authority.
From research in ScienceDirect, we know that this is the generation with the lowest levels of individualism and the highest levels of social responsibility. Research in ScienceDirect shows that this is the generation with the lowest levels of individualism and the highest levels of social responsibility. They believe that work is an honor and that success comes only through perseverance and loyalty.
The Baby Boomеrs (1946–1964)
After the end of the war, the world experienced a huge demographic boom known as the “baby boom.” This is where the name Baby Boom Generation comes from. This is the generation born in years of economic growth, optimism, and cultural change.The young people of that time became symbols of social movements—they protested against the Vietnam War, fought for civil rights and gender equality, experienced the “Summer of Love,” and listened to the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. As The Atlantic writes, this is the first generation to put personal happiness above collective duty.As parents, boomers changed the approach to parenting. They began to listen to their children, have family conversations, and take an interest in their opinions—something completely new at the time.
Generation X (1965–1980)
Next came Generation X, often called the “skeptical generation.” They grew up amid economic instability, divorce, and cultural fragmentation. They were the first people to spend their childhood in front of the TV, growing up with MTV, video games, and the first computers. Generation X experienced the beginning of the digital revolution, the HIV/AIDS crisis, and the rise of the LGBTQ+ rights movement. They developed independence and adaptability.Research shows that this is the first generation to prioritize work-life balance. As parents, they become more protective and attentive, practicing so-called “helicopter parenting,” in which they closely monitor their children’s development.
Millennials (1981–1996)
Millennials, or Generation Y, are the first people to live on the border between the analog and digital worlds. They remember a time without the internet, but they also adapt to it quickly. They have experienced global events such as the September 11 attacks and the Great Recession of 2008.This generation is strongly influenced by globalization, technology, and social media. Millennials are more tolerant, more open to diversity, and more concerned about environmental issues. Research shows that they are oriented toward emotional well-being, authenticity, and sustainable lifestyles.As parents, millennials strive to encourage their children to be themselves and embrace diversity. They are more open to topics such as gender identity and mental health and often raise their children through freedom and creativity rather than strict discipline.
Generation Z (1997–2010)
After millennials comes Generation Z—the first generation to grow up entirely in a world of constant digital connectivity. For them, smartphones, social media, and the internet are an integral part of everyday life.This generation is the most technologically literate in history. It is socially sensitive, active in the fight for equality and sustainable development, and often puts moral causes before personal interest. However, spending a lot of time in front of screens leads to shorter periods of concentration and increased anxiety.Research in ScienceDirect shows that Gen Z has a strong interest in mental health, but also exceptional adaptability to a changing environment.
Generation Alpha (2010–2024)
Children born after 2010 are part of Generation Alpha. They are the first to never know a world without social media, tablets, and artificial intelligence.This generation is much more technologically savvy, but also more vulnerable to isolation and a lack of real social contact. Some of them are experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic at an early age, which further reinforces the effect of digitalization in their lives.According to researchers, Generation Alpha will be the most educated, diverse, and flexible generation to date, but also a generation that will have to rethink the balance between the real and virtual worlds.
Generation Beta (2025–2039)
The youngest and still emerging generation—Generation Beta—will live in an era where artificial intelligence and robotics will be fully integrated into everyday life. They will likely be extremely adaptable, innovative, and socially conscious. They are expected to value sustainability, individuality, and global cooperation. At the same time, their world will be shaped by digital technologies to an even greater extent than previous generations.
Each generation carries with it its own history, values, and understanding of the world. It is a product of the time in which it is born, but also a driver of change for the future. Understanding these differences helps us not only to learn about the past, but also to build better communication between generations today—between grandparents, parents, and children who share the same present but see the world in very different ways.