The Next America: Boomers, Millennials, and the Looming Generational Showdown

Taylor (See How They Run) uses demographic and PEW public opinion survey data to explain demographic shifts in the United States and how these phenomena affect the nation's economic and social structures. The author analyzes data on generational differences that Pew collected over the past decade to present an intriguing view of the major generations and their different life scenarios. The generations include the silent generation (born 1928–45), now in their 80s; boomers (born 1946–64), in their 50s and 60s; Gen Xers (born 1965–80), in their 30s and 40s; and Millennials (born after 1980), in their 20s and 30s. The main focus here is on boomers and Millennials. The data reveals interesting insights into generational differences in attitudes and opinions about race and ethnicity, sexual preferences, religion, politics, finances, and the role of government—all hot-button topics today. Taylor explores how our diverse society has managed to get along so well, despite wildly divergent expectations and economic differences, and he discusses the already well-known issue of the solvency of Social Security, Medicare, and other federal benefit programs.