Written by Prof. Mannixs E. Paul, PhD, FCFIP, FCIML, FCECFI, FFAR
Every generation is shaped by the time into which it is born — its wars, economies, technological breakthroughs, and social movements. These experiences shape how people perceive the world, their interactions with others, and their understanding of morality, community, and belonging (Mannheim, 1952). From the Veteran Generation to Generation Alpha, this report examines how values, worldviews, and identities have evolved over nearly a century.
The Veteran Generation (Born 1935–1945)
Character traits: Shaped during or just after World War II, this generation learned the importance of sacrifice, order, discipline, and loyalty. Because resources were often scarce and institutions played a central role in recovery, they tended to uphold stability and tradition (Howe & Strauss, 1991).
Moral & ethical orientation: They place high value on duty, integrity, honor, and responsibility. Right and wrong are less ambiguous; ethical behavior is often tied to long-established norms (Inglehart & Abramson, 1992).
Ethnic values: While many grew up in ethnically homogeneous settings, this generation witnessed early civil rights struggles that forced many to confront institutional inequality (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine [NASEM], 2020).
Community & patriotism: Community referred to local civic groups and national loyalty; patriotism was not merely a sentiment but an obligation to support the country in times of crisis (Howe & Strauss, 1991).
Religion & relationships: Institutional religion was central; long marriages and defined gender roles reflected a stable, duty-centered worldview (Mannheim, 1952).
Baby Boomers (Born 1946–1964)
Character traits: Born into expanding economies and social change, Baby Boomers tend to be ambitious, idealistic, and socially active (Howe & Strauss, 1991).
Moral & ethical orientation: They moved from traditional norms to questioning them. Civil rights, gender equality, and environmental awareness became moral imperatives (Inglehart & Abramson, 1992).
Ethnic values & community: Significant contribution to widening acceptance of diversity, desegregation, and activism. Community extends from local neighborhoods to national/international causes (NASEM, 2020).
Patriotism & religion: Patriotism remained strong but increasingly conditional on adherence to ideals of justice and fairness. Many retained religious roots but shifted toward personal meaning over strict dogma (Societies, 2023).
Relationships: More flexible gender roles, increasing divorce rates, and emphasis on personal fulfillment reflect the changing social contract (Howe & Strauss, 1991).
Generation X (Born 1965–1980)
Character traits: Independent, pragmatic, skeptical, raised amid societal change and shifting family structures (Howe & Strauss, 1991).
Moral & ethical orientation: Emphasis on fairness, authenticity, transparency. Less deference to authority; moral judgment based on lived behavior (Inglehart & Abramson, 1992).
Ethnic values & community: Comfortable with diversity and pluralism; prefer smaller, chosen networks over large institutions (Societies, 2023).
Patriotism & religion: More critical patriotism — support for the country but demand for principles. Many move away from formal religion, embracing personal spirituality (Mannheim, 1952).
Relationships: Seek balance and equality in partnerships; flexible family roles are increasingly normative (NASEM, 2020).
Millennials / Generation Y (Born 1981–1996)
Character traits: Digital bridges; socially conscious, collaborative, and open to change (NASEM, 2020).
Moral & ethical orientation: Strong emphasis on justice, inclusion, and environmental responsibility; ethics tied to identity and consumption choices (Inglehart & Abramson, 1992).
Ethnic values & community: Diversity and multiculturalism assumed; broad communities via digital platforms and volunteering (Societies, 2023).
Patriotism & religion: Patriotism values-based; pride mixed with critique. Lower institutional religion but personal spirituality retained (Howe & Strauss, 1991).
Relationships: Expect emotional transparency and equality; social networks are integral to support (Mannheim, 1952).
Generation Z (Born 1997–2012)
Character traits: True digital natives, raised amid global crises and social media (NASEM, 2020).
Moral & ethical orientation: Deep commitment to inclusion, environmental justice, and institutional accountability (Societies, 2023).
Ethnic values & community: Highly diverse, intersectional identities; hybrid online/offline communities (Inglehart & Abramson, 1992).
Patriotism & religion: Patriotism as responsibility, not silence; more fluid or mixed spiritual practices (Howe & Strauss, 1991).
Relationships: High value on mental health and emotional safety; equality and respect emphasized (Mannheim, 1952).
Generation Alpha (Born 2013–Present)
Character traits: Growing up in a world saturated with technology and global connectivity, education is more individualized (NASEM, 2020).
Moral & ethical orientation: Likely to emphasize global issues, empathy, and fairness; ethics embedded in daily life (Societies, 2023).
Ethnic values & community: Highly plural contexts with multicultural norms; community includes immersive digital forums and physical local ones (Inglehart & Abramson, 1992).
Patriotism & religion: Patriotism is likely layered (national, regional, global). Religion is more individualized or pluralistic (Howe & Strauss, 1991).
Relationships: Digital tools shape how they form and maintain relationships, with a strong focus on mutual respect and empathy (Mannheim, 1952).
Reflection: The Story of Shifting Values Across Generations
Looking across these six generations, a clear progression emerges. We have transitioned from a focus on survival to self-expression, from uniformity to diversity, and from rigid structures to fluid networks (Inglehart & Abramson, 1992). Older generations grounded society in traditions and institutions, while younger generations broaden the circle of moral concern and reframe identity (Mannheim, 1952). Patriotism, community, religion, and relationships have all become more negotiated, participatory, and pluralistic (Societies, 2023). Understanding these shifts enables governments, businesses, educators, and communities to design more inclusive and effective policies while fostering empathy across age gaps (NASEM, 2020).
References
“Generational Identity, Values, and Sense of Belonging.” (2023). Societies, 13(12), MDPI.
Howe, N., & Strauss, W. (1991). Generations: The History of America’s Future, 1584-2069. William Morrow.
Inglehart, R., & Abramson, P. R. (1992). Generational replacement and value change in eight Western European societies. British Journal of Political Science, 22(2), 183-228.
Mannheim, K. (1952). The Problem of Generations. In P. Kecskemeti (Ed.), Essays on the Sociology of Knowledge (pp. 276–322). Routledge & Kegan Paul. (Original work published 1923)
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2020). Are Generational Categories Meaningful Distinctions for Workforce Management? The National Academies Press.
Courtesy of MEFoundation