Generation X -- the 13th generation born in the United States -- grew up in a culture that at times seemed indifferent, or even hostile, toward children in some ways. Its members were the first whose parents were both likely to maintain demanding careers; they were the children for whom the phrase "latchkey kids" was coined. "Demon child" movies such as "The Omen" and "Children of the Corn" were popular when Gen Xers were young, and as they came of age they were called "slackers," and supposedly had -- in Kurt Cobain's words -- an "oh, well, whatever, nevermind" attitude about everything.
As the youngest Gen Xers move into their late 20s and 30s, are they continuing to "live down" to everyone's expectations? Recent Gallup data suggest that contrary to their reputations for indifference, Gen Xers may be a hopeful generation -- although that hope is infused with a large dose of practicality.
An examination of Gallup data collected between 2001 and 2003* suggests some interesting phenomena regarding Gen Xers' attitudes about the direction of moral values in the United States, and the importance of religion. Gen Xers (defined here as adults aged 25 to 38) are similar to their younger counterparts (adults aged 18 to 24) in that they share a more positive outlook than older adults on the state of moral values in the country. While 31% of adults aged 25 to 38 think that the state of moral values in the United States is getting better, only 20% of those 39 and older think that it is getting better.
The fact that Gen Xers are less pessimistic about American moral values than older Americans may be influenced by a tendency to focus their charitable and civic giving more individually and less institutionally. According to the 1997 book, The Fourth Turning, by William Strauss and Neil Howe, this generation's volunteerism "comes less through big institutional philanthropies than through small local charities that have no crusading figureheads or profiteering middlemen. More than older generations, [Gen Xers] believe in doing small acts of kindness as individuals, without caring if anybody applauds or even notices." A penchant for this type of giving suggests that Gen Xers tend to have a clear perception of how their own contributions make a difference.
However, Gen Xers are closer to their older, baby boomer counterparts (adults aged 39 to 57) in their views on the importance of religion in their personal lives. While only 36% of 18- to 24-year-olds say that religion is very important in their lives, 46% of 25- to 38-year-olds profess this level of importance, as do 50% of baby boomers. But this religiosity does not necessarily find expression in traditional church or synagogue attendance; 48% of 25- to 38-year-olds say they seldom or never attend services, slightly above the 41% of national adults who say this.
Hope for the Future
While Gen Xers are realists and pragmatists to the core, they are also hopeful. They are not as pessimistic about the moral direction of the country as older Americans are, and they are discovering the value of religion -- a desire for roots amid the relativism.
As the 21st century continues to unfold, and as more Gen Xers assume leadership roles both in government and business, look for this generation to believe the best about people and the worst about institutions. They will also cast a vision of hope -- not of the sentimental and utopian variety -- but of a future that is realistic and attainable.
*Results based on an aggregate of telephone interviews with 3,028 American adults, aged 18 and older, taken from polls conducted each May from 2001 through 2003. For results based on the total sample, one can say with 95% confidence that the maximum margin of sampling error is ±2 percentage points.
For the sample of 285 18- to 24-year-olds, the maximum margin of sampling error is ±6 percentage points.
For the sample of 733 25- to 38-year-olds, the maximum margin of sampling error is ±4 percentage points.
For the sample of 1,983 Americans 39 and older, the maximum margin of sampling error is ±2 percentage points.
