[rating:3]
(Nashville: B and H Group, 2011)
304 pgs
In an interesting approach to writing on demographic issues, Thom Rainer, a Baby Boomer, wrote a book about the Millennial generation with, who better than his Millennial son Jess. Most of us are extremely familiar with the plethora of discussions that have followed the development of Baby Boomers. No generation in American history has captured the public’s attention like they have. While sociologists group Americans’ in different ways, the Rainers note that a generation is roughly 20 years. The twentieth century therefore witnessed five generations. These are:
G.I. Generation (1904-1924). 59.6 million. (Tom Brokaw identified them as America’s greatest generation).
Silent Generation (1925-1945). 55.4 million.
Boomer Generation (1945-1964). 75.9 million.
Gen X (1965-1979). 51.5 million.
Millennial Generation (1980-2000). 77.9 million.
American society has been enamored with Baby Boomers because of their sheer size. They represented the largest generation in American history. As a result, marketers, sociologists, politicians, educators and many others have carefully followed their progress through life. However, the Millennial Generation is slightly larger than the baby Boomers, which means it is not too soon to be thinking about how society needs to be adjusting to them and their particular needs in the coming days.
There were a number of interesting facts in this book. For one, this may be one of the most diverse generations in history (1). Whereas Boomers worked to have diversity, Millennials take it for granted. Whereas Boomers challenged racism, Millennials are color blind (80). In fact, one out of five Millennials has at least one immigrant parent (81). Interestingly, perhaps because Boomers were not close to their parents, they went all-out to be involved with their own children. As a result, Millennials are surprisingly close to their parents (93). Millennials rate “family” as their greatest priority (229). Many Millennials had parents who divorced. As a result, Millennials have a high level of commitment to make their first marriage work (31). Unlike their Boomer parents who rejected and even disdained the older generation, Millennials respect their elders (60). This is perhaps because they have had adults who nurtured them and believed in them all their lives. Interestingly, three out of four Millennials claimed they wanted a mentor in their life (41).
The Rainers estimate that only 10-15% of Millennials are born again, evangelical Christians (233). Millennials have largely rejected the organized church. This is in part because they view it negatively, as consisting of people who shout at and condemn those they disagree with (153). Millennials are peacemakers. They want everyone to get along. This may also be reflected in their acceptance of same sex marriage. It is not so much that they are liberal in their views as they avoid delving into divisive issues that polarize people.
Millennials have been told all their lives that they are special and that they can do whatever they put their minds to. And they have largely believed this. 96% of Millennials believe their life can make a difference in making the world a better place (16). Millennials are also activists, putting their money and their actions where their mouth is. They also are the first generation to grow up their entire lives immersed with technology. This makes them technologically savvy as well as expecting to have their needs met at work or church or any other place with state of the art technology. Of course, Millennials are incredibly relational. When you couple their concern for relationships with their love of technology, it is no surprise that Facebook has more members than the United States.
I found this book to be of particular interest to me because I am a Baby Boomer who has (and is) raising three Millennial children. My own experience resonated with much that was said. I had thought my parenting experience might be somewhat unusual but much of this book helped me better understand my own children. It also challenged me to invest in their generation. They are open to adults’ involvement in their lives. Surprisingly to me, Millennials have high respect for their elders and want to learn from them. I was also challenged that the church and most organizations have not yet made the necessary adjustments to accommodate this mass of people heading their way. I think any leader today must become informed about Millennials. They are the future. Significantly, the Rainers note that the 2008 election was the first time Millennials participated in a significant way. They voted overwhelmingly for Obama, and he won easily. Like I said, the Millennials are the future and ought not to be taken lightly.
Overall I enjoyed this book. In part, because it addresses things dear to my heart—my kids, and investing in the next generation. I enjoyed the writing father and son tandem of the Rainers. It is clear they are evangelical Christians. However, I think that is refreshing in contrast to sociologists who present themselves as entirely objective when it is clear they are not.
While this book is not as purely scientific as others might be, and it at times draws in the personal anecdotes of its authors, I think anyone concerned about the future should read this. It does not draw out a lot of specific leadership issues as a result of their study but it does present a fresh and interesting and influential look at a very important segment of the American population.