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The naming of different generations is commonly used to categorize and identify particular age groups or cohorts based on shared experiences, cultural shifts, and technological advancements.
Historians generally agree that generational naming began in the 20th century. Here is a list of the commonly recognized ones based on the birth year:
The Greatest Generation (born roughly between 1901 and 1924): This Generation refers to the cohort of people who grew up during the Great Depression and went off to fight in the Second World War.”The Greatest Generation” was a phrase coined by journalist Tom Brokaw for his book of the same name, published in 1998. Well-known representatives: John F. Kennedy (born 1917), Rosa Parks (born 1913), and Bob Dole (born 1923).
Silent Generation (born roughly between 1928 and 1945): This generation was born and grew up during the Great Depression and World War II. They are called the “Silent Generation” because they were generally seen as conformist and less outspoken compared to the following generations. Well-known representatives: Martin Luther King Jr (born 1929), Elvis Presley (born 1935), Bob Dylan (born 1941)
Baby Boomers (born roughly between 1946 and 1964): The term “Baby Boomers” refers to the significant increase in birth rates following World War II. This generation witnessed social and cultural changes, including the civil rights movement, the sexual revolution, and the advent of television. Well-known boomers: Bill Clinton (born 1946), George W. Bush (born 1946), Donald J. Trump (born 1946) Tony Blair (born 1953), Oprah Winfrey (born 1954), Bill Gates (born 1955), Steve Jobs (born 1955), Barak Obama (born 1961).
Generation X (born roughly between 1965 and 1980): Sometimes referred to as the “Latchkey Generation,” Generation X grew up in a time of increasing divorce rates and both parents working outside the home. They experienced the rise of personal computers, MTV, and witnessed the end of the Cold War. Well-known gen xers: Elon Musk (born 1971), Larry Page (born 1973), Jack Dorsey (born 1976).
Millennials or Generation Y (born roughly between 1981 and 1996): Millennials are known for coming of age during the turn of the millennium. They experienced rapid advancements in technology, such as the widespread use of the internet, social media, and smartphones. They are often characterized as tech-savvy and socially conscious.
Generation Z or Zoomers (born roughly between 1997 and 2012): Generation Z is the first generation to grow up entirely in the digital age. They are often described as tech-native, diverse, and socially conscious. They have been heavily influenced by social media platforms, online streaming, and the sharing economy.
Generation Alpha (born roughly from 2013 onward): This is the youngest recognized generation, named after the first letter of the Greek alphabet. Generation Alpha is still emerging and its defining characteristics are not fully established yet. They are expected to be the most technologically immersed generation to date, growing up with smart devices and artificial intelligence as integral parts of their lives.
This map highlights the predominant generations that make up the population of different countries. The predominant generation is the generation with the highest population compared to the other generations in a given area.
The most numerous generations in various countries can vary depending on factors such as birth rates, population growth, and historical events. While it’s challenging to provide an exhaustive list for all countries, here are some examples of the most populous generations in several countries:
United States:
Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964) and Millennials (born 1981-1996) are currently the two largest generations in the US. However, Generation Z (born 1997-2012) is also a significant and growing cohort.
China:
China has a large population, and the most populous generations are often defined by government policies and historical events. The Post-80s Generation (born in the 1980s) and the Post-90s Generation (born in the 1990s) are considered significant cohorts in China.
India:
India has a diverse population with various generations. The Baby Boomers (born after India’s independence in 1947) and Generation X (born in the 1960s to 1980s) are significant, but the Millennial Generation (born in the 1980s to early 2000s) is currently the largest generation in India.
Japan:
Japan has an aging population, and the Baby Boomers (born in the post-World War II period) make up a significant portion of the population. However, younger generations like Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z are also present.
Brazil:
In Brazil, the Baby Boomers (born after World War II) and Generation X (born in the 1960s to 1980s) are sizable cohorts. The Millennial Generation (born in the 1980s to early 2000s) is also a significant generation in Brazil.
