Wondering why generational articles often leave you more confused than before you read them?

You are not alone!

You are not alone. 

The vast majority of Americans today struggle with grasping what all the buzz about generations really means, especially for their own self and circumstances. 

I believe anyone can come to understand generational dynamics. 

My wish is that we become as comfortable talking about generations as we are conversing about the weather, the sunset, the phases of the moon. 

There are plenty of resources if one seeks a deep academic level of understanding.

But unfortunately, even after conducting a deep search of materials published today on generations, you will discover that researchers and authors have yet to arrive at consistent agreement on many key terms and variables. This is particularly true in regards to birth years and naming generations.  No wonder you may feel confused and have a difficult time feeling confident about what you know around generations. 

I’ve yet to find a resource that explains generational dynamics with depth, but also simplicity. 

This is my goal. 

My writing focuses on explaining essential elements of generational theory in language and concepts we use daily and are already comfortable with.

As you follow along, your confidence and clarity will rise and soon you’ll be the one initiating conversations around generations!

Wondering why any of this matters? 

Understanding generations can help us to orient ourselves to where we are in the midst of our society and our life experiences. Our awareness of generational progression enables us to feel more grounded as culture shifts and changes around us. 

Are you aware that we are currently in a cultural stage characterized by disorientation and the unraveling of social norms? 

Does hearing this help you feel a bit relieved (even though it is not a pleasant stage)? 

Does this tidbit of info help you to understand why it’s currently difficult to find our grounding?…to literally feel grounded?

Understanding generations can offer profound insights in helping us understand our current societal atmosphere and also where society is heading. 

History shapes us (how we’ve arrived at the place we are) but we shape the future.

This is one of the elementary truths conveyed by Neil Howe in his research and formation of the most frequently referenced publications on generations in our modern day.*

Generations reveal to us that, although there are always unexpected, unanticipated events, there is likely more predictability to cultural change/generational progression than we might think.  

Understanding more about the progression of generations enables us to sort through complex aspects of society, and hence to focus on the things we determine are most important for us today. In doing so, we become aware of our role in shaping history. 

* My perspectives on generations have been primarily influenced by the Strauss-Howe generational theory.

My comments are not intended to fully explain the Strauss-Howe theory, nor sanctioned by Neil Howe.  I do highly recommend the following book in order to learn more and develop a deeper understanding of generational theory:

Howe, Neil. The Fourth Turning Is Here: What the Seasons of History Tell Us About How and When This Crisis Will End. Simon & Schuster, 2023