MUSINGS ON GENERATIONAL CONFLICT

I’ve been reading a book called The Fourth Turning is Here by Neil Howe. The book concerns itself with the theory that history is cyclical and that these cycles repeat about every 80 to 100 years (about the lifetime of a human). Each 20-year period can be represented by a season (spring, summer, fall, winter). The author believes we are now in winter (the 4th season) and that we are getting ready for a crisis event that will herald a new cycle. It sure feels like we are holding our breath, ready to take the plunge. Although the exact event or timing of the turning can’t be precisely known, the theory predicts the process will play out in a pattern governed by historical cycles.

Interestingly enough, there is a corollary in astrology that indicates the same thing. Which is fascinating. Uranus will transit Gemini starting in 2025 and remain there for about 7 years (until 2033). The last time this happened was during the WWII years of 1941-1949. In fact, astrologers have long noted that that when Uranus is moving through Gemini, things- well, …happen. Big things! The Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and WWII. Coincidence, you say? Oddly enough, Neil Howe’s book, a history book is saying the very same thing. I would argue that the underlying mechanism of his theory, at least on the fourth turning point, relies on this well-known astrological pattern. But historians today are NOT allowed to publish books that rest their evidence on astrology. ‘Nough said!

Anyway, I wanted to cover a different topic here. For years, I’ve noted the conflict going on between generations of Americans. Those of us of different ages have different life experiences, different values, different perspectives, and lately these are causing more than the usual generational clash. Older generations despair over youth today. And younger generations can’t relate to how out of touch older folk are. In some ways, I’ve found myself in between these two warring groups. Because of this, when this book about generational history came across my path, I grabbed it.

I think there is a lot that can be learned by all generations through the simple understanding that all of us are, to some degree, a byproduct of the historical time in which we were born. These generational characteristics were not necessarily chosen by us but rather adopted by us as a response to the environment in which we found ourselves. Moreover, the generational tendencies are cyclical. Look back in history to find your cohorts or forward to find a new generation you’ll share similarities with. Wow! So we’re not all that terribly unique.

Let’s suppose the hypothesis proposed by the author (and astrology) has some merit. That means the next few years (2025-2033 approximately) will test ALL generations to meet challenges we have not seen in about …. the last 80 years or more. While boomers are busy bemoaning millennials, the rich joke is that it is this generation that carries the archetypal identity of the next HERO generation (according to the book). This is the generation who will be called to make the greatest sacrifices and as it turns out, they will be ready to rise to the occasion. They share values with their preceding WWII HERO generation and were raised in very much the same way. All the generational archetypes will find a new mission as the crisis emerges; each will contribute in their own unique way. The diversity of thought and response amongst the generations can be seen as a strength as we enter brand new territory and attempt to re-emerge as a new society.  

Below I’ve tried to extract some identifiers for the different generations so that everyone can see where they fit in. This is not an exhaustive list and I’m sure each of us could add to it, but it’s a start to try to foster understanding. As an individual, you probably won’t perfectly agree that each qualifier describes you. Keep in mind that these are generational tendencies. Your birthdate (early or late within the generation) may also influence how many of these traits and the degree to which you take on these traits. So think about the generations as a whole and in broad brush strokes. Remember that the goal here is NOT to find the best generation because there is NO best generation. Each generation plays a role in the historical cycle that is necessary to bring about the next cycle. I have limited the discussion below to the generations born post 1942. The previous generations of the G.I. (“Hero” Archetype, born 1901-1924) and Silent (“Artist” Archetype, born 1925-1942) can be found in the book. Read beyond your own generation to understand how the others differ from yours. Remember that there is an overall core strength in the wholeness of all the generations as they enter the fourth turning. If we can manage to focus on the real problems as they arise and draw from these strengths, we may manage to create the new future many of us desire.

Boomers (“Prophet” Archetype) born 1943-1960

Individualism- cultivation of the selfHigh drive for personal risk-taking, independence cherishedViewpoint of right v. wrong (creation of the counterculture)Material wealth not as valued as meaningful career (making a difference)Question the prevailing power structure with passion and violenceValues take precedence over law  Showing conviction and standing out are valuedPreference for independence and solo living

Gen X (“Nomad” Archetype) born 1961-1981

Collective low self-esteemDistrust of elders & institutions to provide for themValue: self-sufficiency, resilience, survival skills, and reality detectionEmbrace high-turnover, low-trust, free-agency lifestyleHone their grab & go instincts in the workplaceFocus is external, bottom-line return (the market sorts winners & losers)Institutions reward ruthless bottom-line successMost immigrant and diverse generation, with small middle-class representationInnovative entrepreneurs who made US corporations world leaders in some marketsSpiritual preference- personal, without community or public ritualLow voter participation, low engagement in running for officeFavor GOP- less government stance

Millennials (“Hero” Archetype) born 1982-2005?

Protected in youthPractical, pragmaticRisk adverse, avoid conflict of all kindsCompliantCommunity-oriented, value kindnessClose to parentsFear rejection, isolation, lonelinessChronic stressExtended living at home with parentsShun taking on debtEconomic security before life milestones

Gen Z (“Artist” Archetype) born 2006? And after

Highly agreeable, cooperativeVery sheltered (maybe even “bunkered”)Highly risk-adverseVery compliantFirst generation in 50+ yrs where 2-parent families are on the rise24/7 parental oversight & controlStrict rules govern home & school lifeSEL (learning to manage emotions) seen as criticalSafer & healthier, illegal drug use way downHighly stressed, don’t want to disappoint/upsetDon’t want to grow up & leave homeParents pushing practical STEM careers with defined credentialsGoal: find a small haven in a tough worldThink small, think practical, seek security    

Remember that there is an overall core strength in the wholeness of all the generations as we enter the fourth turning. If we can manage to focus on the real problems as they arise and draw from these strengths, we may manage to create the new future many of us desire.