There would not be too many households today where the words “back in my day” or “when I was a child” haven’t been muttered a time or two (or more!). But what do these two phrases mean in terms of defining the different generations since the early 1900s? Let’s take a look!
While the starting and finishing years defining each generation may change a year or two depending on which country you live in, Australia typically defines them using these dates and descriptions:
The Greatest Generation, 1901-1925: This generation came after the Lost Generation and includes the veterans who came of age during the Roaring Twenties and fought in World War II or, for those at the tail end of the generation, people who came of age during the latter years of the Great Depression and World War II. According to Statistica.com the fertility rate was 3.5 babies per woman in 1915. Popular names in this era included John, William, James, George, Charles, Mary, Florence, Dorothy, Alice and Margaret.
The Silent Generation, 1926-1945: This generation is comparatively small after fewer children were born due to the devastation of the Depression and World War II. This generation was sometimes characterised as trending towards conformity and traditionalism. Leading social data analysis firm McCrindle Research also calls this generation The Builders generation, referring to the fact that “this generation built much of society as we know it today … our suburbs, institutions, and infrastructure, and continue to build in their own ways to this day. They are great upholders of a lot of the values and the commitments that our society is built on”.
The fertility rate was 2.1 babies per woman in 1934 according to Statistica.com. Popular names in this generation included James, Robert, Ronald, John, William, Margaret, Patricia, Shirley, Joan and Barbara.
The Baby Boomers, 1946-1964: This generational label is derived from the baby boom that occurred post-World War II. This increase in population also resulted in a boom in the economy, housing, construction, and infrastructure. This empowered generation shaped society and the social context. They pushed back on political decisions, participated in protests, saw the rise of feminism, and had a desire for equality. They were the social justice warriors of their time.
According to Statistica.com the fertility rate rose to 3.4 babies per woman in 1960. Common names in the 1950s included John, Peter, Robert, Steven, David, Christine, Susan, Jennifer, Margaret and Judith.
Generations to follow included X, Y, Z and Alpha with Beta due to begin in 2025.
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