Born between 1980 and 1996 Generation Y is the largest demographic since the “Baby Boomers” representing approximately 8 million individuals in Canada and 70 – 80 million in the US. Also known as the “echo boomers” this demographic represents the offspring of the huge Baby Boomer age group.
In Stats Canada predicts this demographic of 8 million will be responsible to replace 10 million retiring workers from the Baby Boom generation over the next 10 – 15 years. This group represents our future of health care providers, politicians and innovators. We cannot afford to write them off.
Defining Shared Characteristics
Generation Y has been raised and taught to survive during unprecedented events, exponential growth, and infinite access to information.
Sociologist Diane Pacom explains the attacks on 9/11 were a wake up call that consumerism and western culture do not make us immune from world conflict or fear. It highlighted mortality, and the importance of family and friends in one’s life. One could argue it was a factor in the rise of extreme interconnectedness like Facebook.
In the past decades with the invention of computers, technology has advanced at a rate unprecedented in all of human history. Generation Y didn’t begin this mad expansionary period, but they were the first demographic to grow alongside of the computer. Throughout 12+ years of education the whole system changed around them, the only thing constant was the need to be adaptable. If there is one group that can adapt to changing times and technologies it is Generation Y.
They better be, because “When they got out, the world was not the same one that they were educated for.”
Generation Y Population
Born between 1980 and 1996 Generation Y is the largest demographic since the “Baby Boomers” representing approximately 8 million individuals in Canada and 70 – 80 million in the US. Also known as the “echo boomers” this demographic represents the offspring of the huge Baby Boomer age group.
Defining Shared Characteristics
Generation Y has been raised and taught to survive during unprecedented events, exponential growth, and infinite access to information.
Sociologist Diane Pacom explains the attacks on 9/11 were a wake up call that consumerism and western culture do not make us immune from world conflict or fear. It highlighted mortality, and the importance of family and friends in one’s life. One could argue it was a factor in the rise of extreme interconnectedness like Facebook.
In the past decades with the invention of computers, technology has advanced at a rate unprecedented in all of human history. Generation Y didn’t begin this mad expansionary period, but they were the first demographic to grow alongside of the computer. Throughout 12+ years of education the whole system changed around them, the only thing constant was the need to be adaptable. If there is one group that can adapt to changing times and technologies it is Generation Y.
They better be, because “When they got out, the world was not the same one that they were educated for.”
Accompanying Trends
Living at home longer, often into late twenties
Marrying Later
Changing jobs frequently