What is Generation X (Gen X)?

Generation X refers to the generation born before the millennial generation (often called generation Y) and after the baby boomers. Americans who fall between the age group of mid-1960s and early 1980s are called Gen X. 

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A Little More on What is Generation X (Gen X)

Individuals born within the same time frame tend to exhibit common traits that results in their generation being named after a specific trait. 

Examples are: 

• the Greatest Generation (1901 to 1924), 
• the Silent Generation (1925 to 1945), 
• the Baby Boomers (1946 to 1964), among others. 

A novel by Douglas Coupland that was published in 1991, birthed the name "Generation X". 

Generation X is often regarded as the 'in-between'. generation because it overlaps with the Sandwich Generation. 

Gen X has a population of about 50 million in the United States. 

Research indicates that Generation X may have the following collective attributes:

• Gen X exhibit a higher level of self-direction when compared to Baby Boomers.
• Gen X clients have little time for financial advice, they prefer technological tools that monitor their finance.
• 72% of Baby Boomers trust their financial advisors while only half of Gen Xers feel this way.
• Gen X clients are busier and love performing tasks online.
• 73% of Gen X clients select an advisor based on peer review compared to 57% of Baby Boomers.
• Gen X avoid investment risks unlike baby boomers.

Research articles for Generation X

• Generation X and the public employee, Jurkiewicz, C. L. (2000). Public Personnel Management, 29(1), 55-74.
• Managing our future: The generation X factor, O'Bannon, G. (2001). Public Personnel Management, 30(1), 95-110.
• Baby Boomers, Generation X and Generation Y? Policy implications for defence forces in the modern era, Jorgensen, B. (2003). foresight, 5(4), 41-49.
• Workplace learning and Generation X, Bova, B., & Kroth, M. (2001). Journal of Workplace Learning, 13(2), 57-65.
• Leading Generation X: do the old rules apply?, Rodriguez, R. O., Green, M. T., & Ree, M. J. (2003). Journal of Leadership & Organizational Studies, 9(4), 67-75.
• High hopes in a grim world: Emerging adults' views of their futures and Generation X, Arnett, J. J. (2000). Youth & Society, 31(3), 267-286.
• Generation X: Anthropology in a media saturated world, Ortner, S. B. (1998). Cultural Anthropology, 13(3), 414-440.