Introduction
As more women were finding employment due to the circumstances laid down by the previous generation more children were finding themselves coming home from school to an empty house. This has led to the generations also being referred to as the “latch-key” generation where children would lack adult supervision until a parent returned. This has led to Generation X as being the first generation being more reliant on their peers than previous generations [9]. One study suggests that children left alone for long periods of time led to behavioral problems, depression, and lower self-esteem. The positive effects however are increased independence and self-reliance from a much earlier age.
During this generation there was a shift from the traditional values of married couples staying together for the sake of the children, which led to higher levels of divorce.
UK total number of divorces from 1858 – Source : The Guardian
Key Events
The 1970s saw the introduction of the first home computers that were affordable to enthusiasts in kit form. In 1977 the first mass-produced computer became available, which was the Commodore Pet.
The UK switched to a decimalised currency on 15th February 1971 to replace pounds, shillings and pence with pounds and new pence. Initially there was also a half penny, but this was eventually removed as its value decreased.
In 1982 the first reported cases of AIDS were reported in the UK which then increased to 260 cases in 1985, mainly affecting gay and bi-sexual men, but also drug-users and haemophiliacs. Tabloids created fear and moral panic around the gay community which eventually led to the introduction of Section 28 which outlawed the teaching and promoting the acceptance of homosexuality.
In July 1969 the Eagle Lunar Lander landed which saw Neil Armstrong take the first steps on the moon.
Characteristics
Being part of the “latch-key” generation has meant that they had to grow up to be independent and resourceful because they had less supervision when they were older. This is reflected in the workplace through working autonomously.
Growing up in an environment with parents that work long hours has given Generation-X a strong commitment to maintaining a healthy work/life balance.
They have also grown up and moved into the workplace as the modern era of technological advances has taken place, which has made them comfortable with adopting to new technologies. They are tech-savvy but not tech-dependent like following generations, they have lived in a world where technology wasn’t as ubiquitous as it is now.
Gen-X has lived in both digital and analogue worlds and has worked with a variety of ways to communicate such as in-person meetings, video calls, email, or any messaging platforms.
In the workplace they tend to favour transparency and communication over bureaucracy and hierarchy of their parent’s generation.
By
