The trend of labeling generations began with the Baby Boomers in the 1960s, followed by Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha (2010–2024). Each generation covers roughly 15 years, with the next in line, Gen Beta, including those born from 2025 to 2039. But are these labels genuinely useful, or do they simply foster societal divisions based on age?
The Baby Boomer tag originated as a demographic marker, highlighting the post-war birth surge in the West. As time progressed, Gen X emerged to categorize the next wave, and the trend continued, creating generational IDs like a never-ending roll call. But does each group truly share a distinct identity that sets it apart socially, politically, or culturally?
Generational traits are often attributed to factors like age, technological exposure (think the Internet, social media, or AI), and shifting cultural landscapes. Yet, what about those born at the cusp of these groups? Do they become generational misfits, grappling for social recognition in a liminal space?
While generational labels hint at shared characteristics within a given age group, similarities often spill across these divides. A Gen Z individual and a Gen Alpha counterpart might share more traits than the labels suggest. Moreover, these so-called “unique features” are shaped not just by age but also by local customs, financial circumstances, religion, and political influences. A Gen Z-er in New York City, for instance, may have little in common with a Gen Z-er in rural India.
This raises an important question: why generalize people into age-based silos? Generalizations blur individuality, flattening diverse experiences under a single, dominant narrative. While marketers may find these tags useful for targeting age-specific audiences, their broader societal utility is questionable.
Ultimately, generation tags are less about fostering understanding and more about creating artificial divisions. They segment society into age-based tribes, often ignoring the rich, overlapping complexities of human identity. Instead of connecting us, they can fragment us, reinforcing the very differences we ought to bridge.
Promod Puri.com 