Gen X: the most unfortunate cohort

最不幸的一代

Editor's Picks from The Economist

2025-05-14

11 分钟
PDF

单集简介 ...

While Gen Z and Millennials complain the most about the hardship their generations endure, it seems that Gen X may be the real losers. As the cohort enters the "u-bend of life", the data suggest that they're miserable. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.
更多

单集文稿 ...

  • The Economist.

  • Hi, this is Ethan Wu, cohost of Money Talks, our business and finance podcast.

  • Welcome to Editor's Picks.

  • We've handpicked an article we recommend from the most recent edition of The Economist.

  • I hope you enjoy it.

  • "We suffer", said Seneca, "more often in imagination than in reality."

  • The Stoic philosopher could have been talking about the generations.

  • Members of Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, say that social media ruined their childhood.

  • Millennials, between 1981 and 1996, complain that they cannot buy a house.

  • Baby-boomers, between 1946 and 1964, grouse that they face an uncertain retirement.

  • Many forget about Generation X, which is made up of those born between 1965 and 1980.

  • Proxied by Google searches the world is less than half as interested

  • in Gen X as it is in millennials, Gen Zers or baby-boomers.

  • There are few podcasts or memes about Gen X.

  • Aside from Douglas Coupland's "Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture",

  • a novel published in 1991 which popularised the moniker, there are few books discussing the cohort.

  • In Britain Gen Xers are less likely than members of any other age group to know the generation to which they belong.

  • Gen Xers may have no place in the popular imagination but, contrary to Seneca, they really do suffer.

  • This is true both because Gen Xers are at a tricky age, and also because the cohort itself is cursed.

  • A recent 30-country poll by Ipsos