Talkin' bout my generation

In this article, based on parts of our book My Generation (in Dutch), we show that bringing man back into generation research is not only needed to do justice to Mannheim's generation theory, it also yields striking and essential information about generational distinctions. Actual generations, according to Mannheim, are cohorts that are conscious of belonging to a group with similar formative experiences, experiences with lasting effects that set them apart from other generations. Tapping this sense of belonging calls for research into subjective heuristics that reflect how generations estimate their life chances and basic values vis-a-vis other generations and the extent to which they relate these estimates to their formative experiences. We analyse these heuristics by combining quantitative and qualitative data on five Dutch generations: the prewar generation (born between 1910 and 1930), the silent generation (born between 1930 and 1940), the protest generation (born between 1940 and 1955), the lost generation (born between 1955 and 1970) and the pragmatic generation (born after 1970). Results show that generational consciousness is strong in the Netherlands. Only the lost generation seems to be an alter image: its members have a relatively weak sense of belonging. Values as regards upbringing, family life and sexuality set generations apart rather than political values, labour orientations and cultural styles that are most commonly used to stereotype generations. Generations identify different formative experiences with respect to these values. People conscious of generational belonging hardly experience stronger differences between generations. They do seem to be more involved socially. Generational consciousness is a prerequisite for social cohesion and social action, perhaps even for action linked to a generational cause