Baby boomer

Baby boomer is a term used to describe a person who was born during the demographic Post–World War II baby boom between the years 1946 and 1964. The baby boom has been described variously as a "shockwave" and as "the pig in the python".

Background

The term "baby boomer" is also used in a cultural context. Therefore, it is impossible to achieve broad consensus of a precise definition, even within a single country. Different groups, organizations, individuals, and scholars may have widely varying opinions on what constitutes a baby boomer, both technically and culturally. Ascribing universal attributes to a broad generation is difficult, and some observers believe that it is inherently flawed, perhaps because people of any generation tend to be influenced more by their personal experiences and environment than by their shared culture.

Characteristics

Baby boomers are associated with a rejection or redefinition of traditional values. Many commentators, however, have disputed the extent of that rejection, noting the widespread continuity of values with older and younger generations. In Europe and North America, boomers are widely associated with privilege, as many grew up during a period of increasing affluence due in part to widespread post-war government subsidies in housing and education.

Impact

The baby boomers have significantly impacted the economy, politics, and society of countries they inhabit. Their large numbers resulted in significant societal changes, particularly in the United States and Canada, where changes in education, civil rights, and healthcare were implemented.

See also

• Generation
• Post–World War II baby boom
• Generation X
• Millennials
• Generation Z