#236: What the Generational Cycle Theory Can Tell Us About Our Present Age
Sep 20, 2016
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Explore the theory of generational cycles and how they shape society. Learn about the characteristics of each generational archetype and their impact on history. Discover the relationship between generations and technology. Dive into the concept of the hero archetype and the potential for millennials to be heroes. Understand the uncertainty and potential catastrophe of fourth turnings in history. Conclude by exploring Neil Howe's work on generational cycles and upcoming plans for his book.
Generational cycles shape history through four turnings and four archetypes, providing insights into societal values and trends.
Predictions about generational behavior and values can be made by studying the patterns of previous generations.
Generational theory explains the evolving perspectives on gender roles and the influence of historical context.
Deep dives
Generational Cycles and the Influence on Society
The podcast explores the theory of generational cycles and how different generations shape and are shaped by historical events. According to the theory, history can be divided into four turnings, each characterized by a different social mood and generational archetype. These turnings include high periods of strong institutions, awakenings of cultural revolution, unravelings of individualism, and crises that lead to dramatic change. Each generational archetype, such as prophets, heroes, nomads, and artists, follows a distinct life cycle and plays a specific role in each turning. The theory also suggests that during awakenings, gender role differences close, while in fourth turnings, they tend to widen. Overall, the theory provides insights into how generations contribute to the ebb and flow of societal values, trends, and events.
Predictability of Generational Patterns
The podcast discusses how the theory of generational cycles offers an understanding of how history repeats itself. By studying the patterns of previous generations, such as the baby boomers or the GI generation, scholars have been able to make predictions about the behavior and values of later generations. For example, the theory predicted the rise of millennials as a generation focused on community and peer orientation, valuing achievements and embracing social media. The theory emphasizes the influence of historical context on generational attitudes and behavior, providing a framework for understanding the interplay between generational archetypes and societal trends.
Gender Roles and Generations
The podcast explores how generational cycles can influence gender roles and attitudes throughout history. It suggests that during times of awakening, gender role differences tend to close, while in fourth turnings, these differences widen. The conversation highlights how the societal emphasis on masculinity in the GI generation contrasted with the backlash and cultural revolution of the baby boomer generation. Similarly, the current millennial generation is witnessing the rise of super moms and a shift in gender dynamics, with millennial women achieving higher education and professional success. The theory provides a framework for understanding the evolving perspectives on gender roles across different generational archetypes.
Application of Generational Theory in Understanding Society
The podcast emphasizes the importance of generational theory in understanding societal trends and predicting future developments. By studying generational cycles and their impact on historical events, scholars can gain insights into how values, attitudes, and behaviors change over time. This understanding can be applied in various fields, such as marketing, policy-making, and social sciences, to better engage with different generations and anticipate societal shifts. The theory of generational cycles offers a valuable perspective on generational dynamics and provides a lens through which to interpret and navigate the complexities of society.
Millennial women's changing preferences in men
Millennial women are seeking men who are ambitious, driven, and ready for success, which is a departure from the preferences of women in previous generations who desired more sensitive and kind men.
The characteristics and challenges of a fourth turning
The current era is considered a fourth turning, characterized by a shift in social dynamics and institutions. This period is marked by the rise of tensions, economic crisis, and the need for new institutions to address emerging challenges. The younger generations, like Millennials, are likely to step up as heroes during this crisis, utilizing technology to reshape governance and address outdated public infrastructure.
In the 1990s, Howe, along with co-author William Strauss, published two books, Generations and The Fourth Turning, which set out a bold and fascinating theory: that history can be broken down into 4 phases, and 4 generational archetypes that repeat themselves over and over every 80 or so years. What are the characteristics of the generational archetype you belong to? What historical phase are we in now, and what does the Strauss-Howe theory predict is likely to happen to the geo-political and economic landscape in the next decade?
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