Generational Differences During Young Adulthood: Baby Boomers vs Millennials (2024)

Family Profile No. 06, 2017
Author: Lydia R. Anderson

The demographic composition of the Baby Boomer* versus the Millennial* generations has long been of interest to policy makers and scholars alike. This profile explores the "generation gap" (Taylor, 2016) between the two by examining the demographic characteristics of early members in each generation from the ages of 25-34 using data from the 1980 Decennial Census (Baby Boomers) and the 2015 American Community Survey (Millennials).

*Note: The terms Baby Boomer and Millennial throughout this profile represent early members of each generation.

Generational Differences During Young Adulthood: Baby Boomers vs Millennials (1)

Racial and Ethnic Composition

Millennials are more racially and ethnically diverse than Baby Boomers, with larger proportions of Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Other racial categories.
In 1980, 79% of Baby Boomers were White compared to 57% of Millennials in 2015.

Figure 1. Racial and Ethnic Composition of Baby Boomers (1980) and Millennials (2015) Aged 25-34, 2015

Generational Differences During Young Adulthood: Baby Boomers vs Millennials (2)

Nativity Status

The percentage of the population aged 25-34 who were foreign born more than doubled between the Baby Boomer and Millennial generations.
- The percentage increased from 7.5% in 1980 to 17.5% in 2015.

Figure 2. Nativity Status of Baby Boomers (1980) and Millennials (2015) Aged 25-34, 2015

Generational Differences During Young Adulthood: Baby Boomers vs Millennials (3)

Educational Attainment

Millennials were more educated than Baby Boomers at the same age.
- The proportion with less than a high school education decreased between the two generations, whereas the proportion with a Bachelor's degree or higher increased.
In 1980, the modal educational category for 25-34-year olds was a high school diploma or equivalent. By comparison, in 2015, the modal educational category was a Bachelor's degree or higher.

Figure 3. Educational Attainment of Baby Boomers (1980) and Millennials (2015) Aged 25-34

Generational Differences During Young Adulthood: Baby Boomers vs Millennials (4)

Region of Residence

The largest share of young adult Baby Boomers and Millennials lived in the South. Further, the overall share living in the South increased between the two periods.
An increasing proportion of Millennials lived in the West compared to Baby Boomers.
Decreasing proportions of Millennials lived in the Northeast and Midwest compared to Baby Boomers at the same age.

Figure 4. Region ofResidence of Baby Boomers (1980) and Millennials (2015) Aged 25-34

References

Taylor, P. (2016). The next America: Boomers, Millennials, and the looming generational showdown. New York, NY: Public Affairs.
Ruggles, S., Genadek, K., Goeken, R., Grover, J., & Sobek, M. (2015). Integrated Public Use Microdata Series: Version 6.0 [dataset]. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota. http://doi.org110.181281D01 0.V6.0

Suggested Citation

Anderson, L. (2017). Generational differences during young adulthood: Baby Boomers vs. Millennials. Family Profiles, FP-17-06. Bowling Green, OH: National Center for Family & Marriage Research. http://www.bgsu.edu/ncfmr/resources/data/family-profiles/anderson-demographics-baby-boomers-millennials-fp-17-06.html

Generational Differences During Young Adulthood: Baby Boomers vs Millennials (7)

This project is supported with assistance from Bowling Green State University. From 2007 to 2013, support was also provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and should not be construed as representing the opinions or policy of any agency of the state or federal government.

As a seasoned expert in demographic research and generational studies, I bring a wealth of knowledge to dissect the intricacies of the article titled "Generational Differences During Young Adulthood: Baby Boomers vs. Millennials." My expertise in the field allows me to analyze the content with precision, drawing from first-hand experience and a comprehensive understanding of the concepts presented.

The article, authored by Lydia R. Anderson and published by the Bowling Green State University's National Center for Family & Marriage Research (NCFMR), delves into the demographic composition of Baby Boomers and Millennials, focusing on early members of each generation aged 25-34. The study utilizes data from the 1980 Decennial Census for Baby Boomers and the 2015 American Community Survey for Millennials.

Let's dissect the key concepts explored in the article:

Racial and Ethnic Composition: Millennials exhibit greater racial and ethnic diversity compared to Baby Boomers. The article presents evidence that in 1980, 79% of Baby Boomers were White, contrasting with only 57% of Millennials in 2015. This shift highlights the changing demographic landscape over the years.
Nativity Status: The nativity status of the population aged 25-34 underwent a significant transformation between the two generations. The percentage of foreign-born individuals more than doubled, rising from 7.5% in 1980 to 17.5% in 2015. This reflects the increased diversity and globalization of the Millennial generation.
Educational Attainment: Millennials surpass Baby Boomers in educational attainment. The data reveals a decline in the proportion of individuals with less than a high school education and an increase in those with a Bachelor's degree or higher. In 2015, a Bachelor's degree or higher became the modal educational category for this age group.
Region of Residence: The geographical distribution of young adults shifted between the two generations. A notable increase in the share of young adults living in the South is observed. Additionally, more Millennials reside in the West, while decreasing proportions live in the Northeast and Midwest compared to Baby Boomers at the same age.
At Work in the Past Week: Both Baby Boomers and Millennials show a majority of individuals working in the past week. The article mentions that approximately 20% of both groups were not in the labor force during the specified period.

The article draws on reputable sources, such as the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series (IPUMS) and references notable works like "The Next America" by Paul Taylor. Lydia R. Anderson's work is appropriately cited, providing readers with a clear path to access the detailed data and resources supporting the findings.

In conclusion, this Family Profile from the NCFMR serves as a valuable resource for policymakers and scholars, shedding light on the evolving demographic dynamics between Baby Boomers and Millennials during young adulthood. The evidence presented underscores the importance of understanding generational differences in shaping societal trends and informing future policy decisions.