Youth, Generations, and Generational Research

Abstract

Abstract Kevin Munger’s Generation Gap: Why the Baby Boomers Still Dominate American Politics and Culture is the latest addition in a growing collection of analyses that attempt to evaluate the impact of millennials and Generation Z on the body politic. Combining a review of cultural trends, election statistics, news consumption patterns, and unique survey data, Munger argues that baby boomer political dominance is perched to run headlong into younger, tech-savvy cohorts who have the potential—but not yet the power—to replace them. Munger calls attention to the ways in which the political system has favored boomer issues and concerns, highlighting how the ensuing public policies reward the older generation and undermine the collective economic fortune of today’s youth. This review discusses the history of generational research as well as recent work about today’s younger cohorts to provide context for understanding both the strengths and shortcomings of Generation Gap. The field is richer with Munger’s contribution, but many critical questions remain.