Includes bibliographical references (pages 247-252) and index.
Contents:
The generation wars -- Boomer-blaming : an elite bloodsport -- Dramatising the crisis -- What's so special about generations? -- Generation fables and the 'end of history' -- Millennial fears -- 'Youthquakes' and the politicisation of generational identity -- 'Democratic deficits' and the tyranny of 'future generations' -- Ambivalent adulthood -- Social insecurities and grown-up policymaking.
Summary:
Millennials have been incited to regard their parents' generation as entitled and selfish, and to blame the baby boomers of the Sixties for the cultural and economic problems of today. But is it true that young people have been victimized by their elders? In this book, Jennie Bristow looks at generational labels and the groups of people they apply to. Bristow argues that the prominence and popularity of terms like "baby boomer," "millennial," and "snowflake" in mainstream media operates as a smoke screen--directing attention away from important issues such as housing, education, pensions, and employment. Bristow systematically disputes the myths that surround the "generational war," exposing it to be nothing more than a tool by which the political and social elite can avoid public scrutiny. With her lively and engaging style, Bristow highlights the major issues and concerns surrounding the sociological blame game.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.