Post on 16-Dec-2015
Generational Diversity
Generational diversity defined Benefits of gaining understanding to
enhance services to minority males Historical perspective in education
• Four separate and distinct generations• Generational groups
Generational Groups
Traditionalist
• 1927-1944 Baby Boomer
• 1945-1964 Generation X
• 1965-1981 Millennial
• 1982-2003
Traditionalist
Population: approximately 35 million Times in their lives – life experiences
• Great Depression• The New Deal• World War II• Korean War
Traditionalist
Values• Early years and the art of conformity• Respect for authority and rules• Dedication to work ethic and hard work• Benefits of corporate advancements• Experiences – wisdom• Moderation – from hard times to
prosperity
Traditionalist
Educational Styles• Large forums• Formal expertise presentations• Civil and polite environments
Traditionalist
Recommendations• Focus on quality• Encourage to share experiences• Acknowledge rules of engagement
Baby Boomer
Population: approximately 76-80 million Life experiences
• Civil rights movement• Sexual revolution• Space travel• Assassinations• The Vietnam War
Baby Boomer
Values• personal and professional growth• “Me First”• Hard work and high achievement• Risk taking• Optimistic and goal-oriented• Attitudes of 1960’s and 1970’s• Success is largely visible
Baby Boomer
Educational Styles• Workshops and seminars• Panels: different perspectives• Audience participation activities –
game shows• Hands-on demonstrations
Baby Boomer
Recommendations• Help them feel victorious• Provide opportunities for positive
experiences• Become a team player
Generation X
Population: approximately 40 million Life experiences
• Watergate• Desert Storm• Latch key kids• MTV Generation• Gas issues
Generation X
Values• Individualistic, independent and self-reliant• Recycling• Emphasis on diversity• Instant gratification• Cynical of authority and the establishment• Dependence on technology• View of the world
Generation X
Education Styles• Individualized sessions• Focused learning• Computer based instruction• Entertainment• Social networking
Generation X
Recommendations• Provide details and options upfront• Appear to enjoy work• Prove authority
Millennial
Population: approximately 60-70 million
Life experiences• School shootings• Oklahoma City bombings• Technology revolution• Exposed scandals
Millennial
Values• Environmental concerns and sensitivity• Meaningful work sought• Civic-minded• Diversity and cultural tolerance• Respect for authority• Academic pressures• Ambitious• Technologically minded and proficient
Millennial
Recommendations• Admire them as individuals• Demonstrate personal relevance• Become non-stressful provider of
information
The College Campus
Generation Employees Students
Traditionalist 13% Less than 1%
Baby Boomer 53% 11%
Generation X 31% 37%
Millennial 3% 52%
The College Campus
Educators can help minority males overcome critical issues by understanding:• Generational differences• Views of issues• Value system differences• Life experiences
Sources & References
“College and the Millennial Generation”, Millennial Generation Blog, Kanna Hudson, September 2007
“The Word on Generational Diversity”, HR Horizons, Volume 2, Issue 3 Karla Hignite, July 2007
When Generations Collide, Lynne Lancaster and David Stillman, Harper Business, February 2002