“Gen Z are lazy and lack loyalty.”
“Young people today need more purpose.”
“Millennials are more selfish and narcissistic.”
“Older generations are more laid back and knowledgable.”
I hate to break the news: None of these are true.
At least, not at a generational level.
Whilst there are some differences between the psychology of personality and generations, there is more difference within a generation than between generations.
Repeated studies have shown that millennials are no more or less selfish than any other generation (Moffit, 2022), and all generations have broadly comparable personality traits (Brandt, 2022).
We are “wired” to notice differences more than similarities. This means that our view of generations and the apparent differences between them is likely rooted in confirmation bias, rather than any underlying difference in values, personality or psychology.
Additionally, attitudes are formed in our time.
Being raised in a post-war UK, with rationing and a reliance on social support (whether state-based or neighbours), might instil attitudes that are different to individuals raised in more affluent times.
Similarly, two individuals of the same age or generation being raised in different socio-economic, religious, geographic, political or a plethora of other environments will form attitudes that might feel alien to each other.
Attitudes change.
This is why £billions are spent each year in advertising.
But the view that people are psychologically different based purely on their year of birth? We know that’s not quite correct.
The answer?
The same as it’s always been: treat individuals as individuals.
