Is Generation X Really Disengaged?
This article in City Journal suggests that the characterization of Generation X (born 1961-1981) as disengaged politically is not true. They cite a survey from National Conference on Citizenship (download the report in PDF format). It's an interesting take on the civic attitude of generations. They have stats from their surveys showing that Generation X is just as likely to volunteer or donate as Millennial (born 1982-200?) and even more so than Boomer (born 1943-1960). Their birth years for the generations differ from the ones I use (based on the work of Neil Howe and William Strauss), but they are close enough.
So what is going on here? Are we not the cynical, politically disengaged bunch that people believe we are? Well, I think we are certainly not as extreme as we are often portrayed, but the numbers for cynicism about politics and institutions is highest amongst Gen X'ers in the report. And as for the volunteering and donation rates, we should consider comparing Gen X'ers to Millennials when we were their age. I think the numbers would show that Millennials rate much higher in these civic activities than we did at their age.
Don't get me wrong: I think a lot of the Millennial volunteer-ism has to do with looking good for colleges and following their parents expectations. And I definitely agree that painting Gen X as a bunch of individualists who don't care about society is unfair. Be we certainly don't aspire to be seen as the do-gooders that Millennials seem to be. It's just not our style.
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November 28th, 2009 - 15:20
Hmmmm. I would argue that our president is a Gen Xer. So, no, we are not politically unengaged. Even if you don't agree that Obama is an Xer – just take a look at the people around him. This is the most X administration we've ever had.
November 28th, 2009 - 16:02
I totally agree about Obama – no question that he is an X'er just by the way he acts (pragmatic and avoiding ideology).
December 20th, 2009 - 22:08
re; : volunteers/donating – I was employed recently to recruit volunteers and I have to say the generation doesn't seem to apply so much as upbringing and financial status – maslow's heirarchy of needs – people who are happy with a stable situation are more likely to help others or want to "give back". However… it is true that more Gen X's probably have financial challenges. Also seemed that those with more higher education, more likely to volunteer – nurses, doctors, teachers, etc. I had very fit silents dismiss requests with disgust, and also millenials. Boomers seemed to be mostly spending their winters in warm resort areas, so they weren't going to be available.