Chaim Shapiro presents a critique of generational theory at Touro College. He outlines the typical age ranges used to define generations but notes his skepticism of placing people into arbitrary groups. Through an exercise with volunteers, he demonstrates how generational stereotypes can be misleading. While acknowledging generational theory has value, Shapiro argues it is better to focus on individuals rather than make assumptions based on generational membership. His presentation aims to challenge orthodox views of generational theory and its implications.

1. Post-Millennialism:
A Generational Retort
Presented by Chaim Shapiro
Touro College
chaim.shapiro@touro.edu
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaimshapiro/
https://twitter.com/ChaimShapiro

2. Session Ground Rules
• This IS a Peer To Peer Session
• There are people at NACE who have
forgotten more about Gen Theory than I
will EVER know!
• Engage in the Conversation!
• Challenge Yourself
• Challenge ME!

3. Let’s Get Down To Basics
• GI Generation: 1901-1928- Age in 2017- 90-102 Years Old
• Silent Generation: 1928-1945- Age in 2017- 72-89 Years Old
• Baby Boom Generation: 1946-1964- Age in 2017- 53-71 Years Old
• Gen X: 1965-1980- Age in 2017- 37-52 Years Old
• Millennial Generation: 1981-1997- Age in 2017- 20-36 Years Old
• Gen Z: 1998- Present- Age in 2017- College Age!
Source- Pew Research Center

4. Why Challenge the “Orthodoxy”?
• Gen Theory in Grad School
• NACE Face2Face in NY
• Is this a controversial quote?
“I am NOT a fan of Generational Theory-
placing people in arbitrary groups has NOT
worked out well over course of human history”
-Chaim Shapiro

5. Let’s Talk....
Why Do YOU Support Gen Theory?
• What do you like about it?
• How useful is it?
• How has it helped you?
• Any negative consequences?

6. Group Work
• I need 4 volunteers- This will
take about 5 minutes
• Do you recognize this exercise?
• Did it demonstrate anything
about Gen Theory?
• CAN there be value to
stereotypes?

7. Challenges to Gen Theory
• The curious case of Jack Kemp- “The
Silent Generation SPEAKS Volumes”
• Busted- Baby Buster Generation
• Start and end dates
• 80’s music example
• Are shared experiences truly shared?
• Pearl Harbor vs 9-11

8. The Forgotten Generation
• Gen X
• The ONLY major accomplishment of Gen X was- to name
subsequent generations?
• Political X: Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Paul Ryan
• We WERE next and inevitable too!
• We were also viewed negatively!
• In 5 years Millennials will be 95% of EVERYTHING, able to
leap tall buildings and read minds!
• How will THEY handle the “pivot?”

9. No Harm, No Foul?
• NEVER assume
• Not fitting the generational mold
• What ever happened to judging people
as individuals?
• Boomers are from Mars-Millennials are
from the “Material World”

10. Take Home Messages
• EVERY generation did this
• I am NOT saying there is no value
• How would you feel if you had a
different skill-set?
• Forget the "generational consulting
complex" and focus on individuals!
• Final Thoughts on: “I am NOT a fan of
Generational Theory- placing people in
arbitrary groups has NOT worked out well
over course of human history”

11. Thank You!
Chaim Shapiro
Touro College
chaim.shapiro@touro.edu
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaimshapiro/
https://twitter.com/ChaimShapiro