Describe the Silent Generation. What Social, Economic, and Political Issues Affected This Generation?

1. Describe the Silent Generation. What social, economic, and political issues affected this generation?

The Silent Generation, also known as Traditional Generation, Radio Babies, and Veterans, is a generation of people born in the United States between 1922 and 1945. The Silent generation grew up during the Great Depression of the 1930s and World War II. Therefore, their behaviors are based on experiences during the Great Depression and WWII. This generation has exhibited a high concern for security and a desire to avoid the risks and disasters witnessed during their early years. Silent generation members are viewed as hardworking, dependable, and supportive of conservative values that emphasize the importance of loyalty, duty, conformity, and security. They are the most loyal workers of all generations. Teamwork, and a task-orientation very much define this generation. Many revolutionary leaders in the Civil Rights movement came from this group, along with a wide range of artists and writers who primarily changed the arts in America. Members of this group lived in nuclear families that were patriotic and supportive of their government. They attended formal religious services and learnt right from wrong in brick-and-mortar schools. This group values traditional morals, discipline, safety and security as well as conformity, commitment and consistency. Education was a dream for them. They are very detail oriented and dislike conflicts. They view an understanding of history as a way to plan for the future. They believe in being on time, paying your dues, and linear life (lasting in a job for years and no hopping). The means of payment was cash. Every home had a radio to listen to and TV was yet to come. The music they listened to was Swing, Big band, and Jazz. Parents were taught to save money and children were taught the value of money. While activism is one of the key characteristics of this generation, however, they were also quiet, and hardworking people who focused on getting things done and advancing their careers, despite an internal struggle about their identity and place in the world. They were raised to simply get on with the job, not complain, accept their annual increase and company benefits, and suffer in silence. Their financial affairs, estate planning and matters of employment were completely private and not up for any form of open discussion. They do not like the change and are not very risk tolerant. There were very limited use of rotary phones and they used library instead of web.

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