Generation Y (Millennials), born in the 1980s and 1990s, came of age
during a period of unprecedented accelerated economic growth. These
young secular women and men were shaped by a society that was fast
becoming more self-critical and cynical, conflictual, entrepreneurial,
consumer and media-oriented, individualistic and globalized. This is a
generation characterized by its pervasive permissiveness, sociability,
sense of humour, openness and easygoing outlook on life. They live in
'urban tribes' and are slow to assume responsibility. They are the
self-centred children of the digital age, raised as princes and
princesses, shielded by their teachers and parents' words of praise and
affirmation. They were promised they would be able to realize their
dreams if only they so desired. They are in no rush to spread their
wings because they see the world around them as increasingly
exploitative and unstable and also they wish to have room for
flexibility. They flock to purchase degrees whose job-market value and
intellectual worth are declining. Their lives are replete with trauma
growing up in the shadow of missiles and terror attacks and because the
media exposes them to daily disasters and tragedies around the world.
They are anxiety-ridden and confused. They have difficulty coping with
stress and they are slaves to the infinite information and constant
stimuli that flows from all directions. Generation Y is different to
previous generations in almost every way: work, study, media
consumption, leisure and entertainment habits, raising their children
and more. What is the cultural DNA of today's youth? Why did this
generation emerge and how is it influencing the West? Based on extensive
research this book provides answers to these key questions. Although it
concentrates on Israeli society, most of the generational traits and
their sociological interpretations are applicable all over the western
world.
