Generation Z & Millennials
Karl Mannheim theorized generations - people born during specific time periods in common geographical regions - are constructs worthy of classification and study. [1] A generation has shared experiences and influences (i.e., technological advancement, economic realities, historical events, and popular culture). These shared experiences often lead to shared behavior. In 2021, two generational groups make up young adults: Millennials and Generation Z.
Millennials are typically identified as individuals born from between 1984 and 1998.[2] Millennials represent the oldest group of young adults in the church today. Early trends of self-reliance and confidence have been shaken by world events and their transition into adulthood. Millennials desire meaningful involvement because they believe they have something to offer. They see their role as making the world and themselves better. They believe, if allowed, they are capable of doing it. Often disparaged for their self-centered optimism and high level of expectations,
Millennials are entering the workforce and starting families. Their diversity and eclectic nature made initial characterizations hard, but the trends have become more pronounced over time. Here is a summary of research from various sources on Millennials:
Millennial Leadership Brandon Pardekooper [3]
- confident
- achievement focused
- team oriented
- family oriented
- technology natives
The Millennials by Thom Rainer [4]
- hopeful
- relational
- learners
- looking less to religion
Indeed Human Resources Career Guide [5]
- Values meaningful motivation
- Challenges the hierarchy status-quo
- Places importance on relationships with superiors
- Intuitive knowledge of technology
- Open and adaptive to change
- Places importance on tasks rather than time
- Passion for learning
- Openly receptive to feedback and recognition
- Free-thinking and creative
- Values social interactions in the workplace
Millennials Description of Themselves [6]
- Highly optimistic
- technology use
- music and pop culture
- liberal/tolerant
- smarter
- clothes
Generation Z
The generation currently entering young adulthood is known as Generation Z. Researcher Tim Elmore defines this group:
"Social scientists vary on when Generation Z actually started. Some have them beginning as early as 1995. Others at 1997. Still others somewhere between 1999 and 2002. As I examined the rationale behind each start date, I felt the strongest case could be made for the turn of the century: 2001. While I respect each perspective, when we pause and consider history, so much of it shifted after Y2K." [7]
Generation Z grew up in a post 9/11 American culture and has five distinguishing characteristics: recession marked, Wi-Fi enabled, multiracial, sexually fluid, and post- Christian.[8] Jean Twenge, author of iGen, believes Generation Z is breaking from their pasts “socially, vocationally, spiritually, sexually, and emotionally.” [9] In my personal experience, parental involvement has stayed the same, but this group asserts themselves more. Released two years after White’s, Tim Elmore’s study of Generation Z adds more depth to the discussion. Elmore described Generation Z as private, anxious, restless, tech savvy, nurtured, entrepreneurial, and redemptive. [10]
Elmore suggests the maturation process of Generation Z will require intentional leadership by adult influencers. For Elmore, Generation Z’s access to so many
inputs during a low maturity state has created a vulnerable generation. While seemingly negative, Elmore has high hopes for Generation Z if they can be given the right experiences to facilitate the maturation process. He broke down the differences between Millennials (his Generation Y) and Generation Z in this way:
- While Generation Y spent money boldly and with few boundaries, 57% of Generation Z prefers saving money to spending it.
- While Generation Y spent loads of time at the mall, Generation Z prefers shopping online for almost all their purchases... except for online games. Hmmm.
- While Generation Y grew up during a strong economy, Generation Z is growing up in a time of recession, terrorism, violence, volatility, and complexity.
- While Generation Y subscribed to everything social, Generation Z doesn’t want to be tracked, preferring Snapchat, Secret, or Whisper to communicate.
- While Generation Y watched YouTube, Hulu and Netflix, Generation Z wants to co-create, live stream, and help to make up the activity as they participate.
- While Generation Y loved sports and adventure, Generation Z sees sports as a health tool, not for play. Their games are inside. Teen obesity has tripled since 1970.
- While Generation Y grew up with slightly longer attention spans, Generation Z has an attention span of 8 seconds. Approximately 11% have ADHD.
- While Generation Y initiated text messages as a norm, Generation Z prefers communicating through images, icons and symbols.
- While Generation Y worried about their growing social status and their “likes” on social media, Generation Z worries about the economy and world ecology.
- While Generation Y enjoyed a life that revolved around them, Generation Z plans on coping with multi-generational households and marriages (400% increase). [11]
White and Elmore forecast the future, opening themselves up to debate. Many in Generation Z would reject their conclusions. I find their thoughts helpful in understanding young adults. A generation asserting itself without proper guardrails is in a precarious position. Generation Z is connected but lonely, privileged but anxious, diverse yet segregated, and more.
Footnotes:
[1] Chip Espinosza and Mick Ukleja, Managing the Millennials: Discover the Core Competencies for Managing Today's Workforce (Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, 2016), 11.
[2] Barna Group, The Connected Generation: How Christian Leaders around the World Can Strengthen Faith & Well-Being among 18-35-Year-Olds (Ventura: Barna Group, 2019), 12.
[3] Pardekooper, Millennial Leadership, 35-45
[4] Rainer and Rainer, The Millennials,16-22.
[5] https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/10-millennial-generation-characteristics
[6] David Kinnaman and Aly Hawkins, You Lost Me: Why Young Christians Are Leaving Church . . . and Rethinking Faith (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2011), 37.
[7] Elmore and McPeak, Generation Z Unfiltered, 42.
[8] White, Meet Generation Z, 39-49.
[9] Jean M. Twenge, iGen: Why Today’s Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy – And Completely Unprepared for Adulthood(New York: Atria Books, 2017), 139.
[10] Elmore and McPeak, Generation Z Unfiltered, 27-30.
[11] https://growingleaders.com/blog/generation-z-differs-generation-y/