Uploaded January 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In popular debate negative stereotypes abound as the older and younger generations are pitted against each other. To many, Boomers (born 1946 to 1964) are regarded as the luckiest generation in history. They benefited from economic prosperity, secure homeownership, and never had to fight in a war. This has made them selfish and greedy, according to their critics, having bequeathed a terrible legacy on the young – from economic instability and an inaccessible housing ladder to catastrophic environmental damage.
On the other hand, Zoomers (born roughly 1997 to 2012) are sometimes perceived to be narcissistic, entitled, lazy and listless. Many argue they have little desire to work, are obsessed with their mental health, spend all of their time online and have no sense of duty or obligation to society. Unable to buy property, put down roots and start a family, Zoomers hit back, arguing it was their generation that was forced to study online, work remotely and stay home to protect the elderly during the pandemic. Of course we are listless, they say. What did you expect?
Is there any truth to such stereotypes, and are they helpful? Are generations really a useful, definable category and are they a helpful way to understand the challenges that we face today? How real is this generational divide, and what should we do to bridge it?
The speakers on this panel are:
Felice Basbøll: project assistant, Ideas Matter; student, Trinity College Dublin
Jennie Bristow: reader in sociology, Canterbury Christ Church University; author, The Corona Generation: coming of age in a crisis and Growing up in Lockdown
Dr Eliza Filby: historian of generations and contemporary values; author, Inheritocracy: Why we Should Talk about the Bank of Mum and Dad
Natalie Turner: deputy director of localities, Centre for Ageing Better
The chair is:
Jane Sandeman: chief operating officer, The Passage; convenor, AoI Parents Forum; contributor, Standing up to Supernanny
This video was filmed and edited by WORLDwrite volunteers attending the Battle of Ideas Festival 24. These are the introductory speeches only. To avoid duplication, the full debate will feature on the Academy of Ideas YouTube channel shortly.
WORLDwrite volunteers filmed over 40 sessions at the Battle of Ideas 24. To edit, sound clean and prepare these videos for the Academy & WORLDwrite channels, takes at least 2 days each. With no paid staff the charity needs your help to keep its edit suites switched on. Please chip in if you can by visiting the charity's JustGiving page at justgiving.com/campaign/worldwriteis30 Thank You.
#GenerationalDivide
#boomersvszoomers
#belongingforum
In popular debate negative stereotypes abound as the older and younger generations are pitted against each other. To many, Boomers (born 1946 to 1964) are regarded as the luckiest generation in history. They benefited from economic prosperity, secure homeownership, and never had to fight in a war. This has made them selfish and greedy, according to their critics, having bequeathed a terrible legacy on the young – from economic instability and an inaccessible housing ladder to catastrophic environmental damage.
On the other hand, Zoomers (born roughly 1997 to 2012) are sometimes perceived to be narcissistic, entitled, lazy and listless. Many argue they have little desire to work, are obsessed with their mental health, spend all of their time online and have no sense of duty or obligation to society. Unable to buy property, put down roots and start a family, Zoomers hit back, arguing it was their generation that was forced to study online, work remotely and stay home to protect the elderly during the pandemic. Of course we are listless, they say. What did you expect?
Is there any truth to such stereotypes, and are they helpful? Are generations really a useful, definable category and are they a helpful way to understand the challenges that we face today? How real is this generational divide, and what should we do to bridge it?
The speakers on this panel are:
Felice Basbøll: project assistant, Ideas Matter; student, Trinity College Dublin
Jennie Bristow: reader in sociology, Canterbury Christ Church University; author, The Corona Generation: coming of age in a crisis and Growing up in Lockdown
Dr Eliza Filby: historian of generations and contemporary values; author, Inheritocracy: Why we Should Talk about the Bank of Mum and Dad
Natalie Turner: deputy director of localities, Centre for Ageing Better
The chair is:
Jane Sandeman: chief operating officer, The Passage; convenor, AoI Parents Forum; contributor, Standing up to Supernanny
This video was filmed and edited by WORLDwrite volunteers attending the Battle of Ideas Festival 24. These are the introductory speeches only. To avoid duplication, the full debate will feature on the Academy of Ideas YouTube channel shortly.
WORLDwrite volunteers filmed over 40 sessions at the Battle of Ideas 24. To edit, sound clean and prepare these videos for the Academy & WORLDwrite channels, takes at least 2 days each. With no paid staff the charity needs your help to keep its edit suites switched on. Please chip in if you can by visiting the charity's JustGiving page at justgiving.com/campaign/worldwriteis30 Thank You.
#GenerationalDivide
#boomersvszoomers
#belongingforum
