Chapter 3.

Generation X:What's the Deal Today?

“We are products of high divorce rates, the 80s Reaganomics era, and post-war parents. Every day we are making efforts [to create] well-being and a safe future by working on environmental issues, social acceptance, and lower crime rates.”

—A Gen X biotechnician in forestry

Historical Snapshot

A GENERATION OF LATCHKEY KIDS, Xers were born during one of the most blatantly anti-child phases in U.S. history. Their Schwarzkopfer and Woodstocker parents had the highest divorce and abortion rates, highest number of dual-income families, and most permissive parenting habits in our history. Viewed as intrusive obstacles to their parents’ self-exploration, Xers found themselves in a faltering economy that ...

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