What Is Gen X?

Generations are categorized and labeled because their populations often share attitudes, perceptions, and values. Understanding generational differences can help you engage and interact with coworkers, friends, and family more productively.

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Demographics

Demographics are statistical characteristics of a population. They can include almost any descriptive trait, but the usual data points include gender, age, race, ethnicity, income and more.

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Gen X, or Generation X, is a term used to describe Americans born between the mid-1960s and the early 1980s. The people in this demographic, most commonly called Gen Xers, are older than millennials and younger than baby boomers. They're also known as baby busters, the latchkey generation, post-boomers, and the MTV (Music Television) generation.

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Infographic defining generation X — Image source: The Motley Fool

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Ten years later, author Douglas Coupland wrote the novel Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture. The book is credited with popularizing the label for the generation that followed baby boomers. The collection of stories follows a group of 20-somethings who quit their low-paying jobs to find purpose and meaning in Palm Springs, California.

In a review of the book, the San Francisco Chronicle described it as "a readable and valid account of a generation that envisions a completely new genuine genre of bohemianism."

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About the Author

Catherine grew up in Southern California wearing a lot of black and trying to perfect the art of sarcasm. Prior to joining The Fool as a contract writer, Catherine was climbing the corporate ladder in marketing roles and dabbling in too many side hustles. When she's not writing, she can be found riding a horse in the country or shopping online for clothes.

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@catherinejbrock

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