Strauss–Howe generational theory
The Strauss–Howe generational theory, devised by William Strauss and Neil Howe, describes a theorized recurring generation cycle in American history and Western history. According to the theory, historical events are associated with recurring generational personas (archetypes). Each generational persona unleashes a new era lasting around 20–25 years, in which a new social, political, and economic climate (mood) exists. They are part of a larger cyclical "saeculum". The theory states that a crisis recurs in American history after every saeculum, which is followed by a recovery (high). During this recovery, institutions and communitarian values are strong. Ultimately, succeeding generational archetypes attack and weaken institutions in the name of autonomy and individualism, which eventually creates a tumultuous political environment that ripens conditions for another crisis.
Abraham Lincoln, born in 1809. Strauss and Howe would identify him as a member of the Transcendental generation.
Young adults fighting in World War II were born in the early part of the 20th century, like actor Colonel James Stewart (b. 1908). They are part of the G.I. Generation, which follows the Hero archetype.
Sir Thomas More (1527) by Hans Holbein the Younger
Portrait of George Washington
A generation is all of the people born and living at about the same time, regarded collectively. It also is "the average period, generally considered to be about 20–30 years, during which children are born and grow up, become adults, and begin to have children." In kinship, generation is a structural term, designating the parent–child relationship. In biology, generation also means biogenesis, reproduction, and procreation.
Four generations of one family: a baby boy, his mother, his maternal grandmother, and his maternal great-grandmother. (2008)
Three generations of an Eastern Orthodox priest family from Jerusalem, c. 1893
Geração à Rasca demonstration in Lisbon, 2011