What year are gen z?
We consider people born between 1997 and 2012 as Generation Z.
Different definitions of the years of Generation Z
Generation Z refers to people born between 1995 and 2009, according to the McCrindle Research Centre in Australia. Deloitte defines Generation Z as people born between 1995 and 2003.
The Generation Kinetics Centre defines Generation Z as people born between 1996 and 2015.
The American psychologist Jean Twenge, who studies generational differences, defines the generation born between 1995 and 2012 as Generation Z and also uses the term “iGeneration”.
According to Strauss-Howe’s theory of generation, in the Western world, Generation Z is defined as the generation born between 1997 and 2012, the social generation that succeeds Millennials/Generation Y and precedes Generation Alpha.
Generation Z in 2023
The members of Generation Z in 2023 will be between the ages of 11 and 26, if the birth years, according to the Strauss-Hows generation theory are taken as a benchmark.
Strauss-Howe theory
William Strauss and Neil Howe defined the concept of generation in their 1991 work. According to them, a generation consists of people who share a historical time or space. The members of a generation experience certain historical situations at the same time.
The same historical situations give a collective identity to the members of a generation. They have shared beliefs and behaviours. They share common experiences and are aware of their community.
According to Strauss and Howe, there is a cyclical nature of the values, worldviews and the resulting behaviour of successive generations. The cycle consists of four stages:
Rise
Awakening
Unfolding
Crisis
The cyclical theory of generations has been criticised in several quarters. Critics say it gives the false impression that generations are seasons. Seasons alternate evenly.
This is considered by many social analysts to be too rigid a concept of examining real life situations. What happens in the world depends on many, almost infinite, variables and factors.
In a broader sense, each generation is a factor in its own era and a response to, and influence on, the generation before it.
Generation Z
Generation Z is the first generation to have access to the internet and portable digital technologies from a young age. This is why it is also known as the “digital native” generation.
iGens
Jean Twenge’s 2017 book examines the habits and values of Americans between 1995 and 2012. The first generation, which reached adolescence in the golden age of smartphones, is what the author calls the “iGeneration”.
Despite the positive trends, the author says there is of concern that the technology is isolating members of this generation. Social media and SMS have replaced many face-to-face social activities.
According to the author, Generation Z experiences higher levels of anxiety, depression and loneliness due to isolation compared to previous generations. But it is not only technology that distinguishes the “iGens” from previous generations.
Their attitudes towards religion, sexuality and politics have also changed. The future aspirations and socialisation skills of “iGens” have turned towards a safer path.
