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Generation X Leads the UK, Shaping Politics and Pop Culture

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Generation X

The latest studies show that the age structure of leadership in both British politics and the corporate world is quietly shifting: the post-war “baby boomer” generation is gradually stepping down, while Generation X, born between 1965 and 1980, is slowly rising to power. As they bring with them distinct attitudes and values, British media believes that their leadership will likely lead to significant social change, reshaping politics, culture, and daily life. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic in the U.S., although Generation X has yet to surpass the large baby boomer population, they have already become a major concern for the Democratic Party.

A Younger Leadership in UK Politics and Business

According to a report by The Sunday Times on the 20th, this generational shift is becoming increasingly visible in British politics: in the new cabinet, although Prime Minister Keir Starmer, born in 1962, is technically at the tail end of the baby boomer generation, three-quarters of his cabinet members are from Generation X, aged between 44 and 59, and are in their prime working years.

The previous government, led by Rishi Sunak, was even younger. The U.S. Politico‘s Europe edition noted that their average age fell into a micro-generation that sits between Generation X and the millennials (born between 1981 and 1996).

This trend is even more evident in the British corporate world, where four-fifths of current senior executives are from Generation X. Not only that, but this generation also dominates British pop culture, with members such as the famous band Oasis, sports star David Beckham, actress Kate Winslet, and supermodel Naomi Campbell all being from Generation X.

Driving Social Change

A recent social survey by the British financial services firm Leeds Building Society revealed that Generation X holds values that starkly differ from the baby boomer generation. For instance, Generation X is moving away from traditional family structures. For them, close friends or people who provide support in their lives are often more important than family members, with over one-third of respondents admitting that “friendship outweighs family ties.”

Compared to previous generations, Generation X also places a greater emphasis on both physical and mental health. Nearly half are attempting or already changing their diets, 42% are committed to fitness, and over 10% are planning or currently receiving professional mental health support. However, a common issue among this generation is inadequate pension savings, with over one-fifth of respondents expecting to face financial difficulties in retirement, despite the legal retirement age being at least 67. Even so, many respondents dream of retiring early, with over one-third expressing a desire to “quit work and take it easy” at any time.

Given these characteristics, experts believe Generation X could have a major impact on society, potentially driving systemic reforms. With their focus on “quality relationships,” the future may see new concepts of family or community emerging in the UK, where friends are considered “chosen family.” Additionally, their strong emphasis on health may lead to longer life expectancies, and their current lack of confidence in the NHS (National Health Service) could prompt reforms in the UK’s healthcare system.

The Generation Giving Biden Headaches

Research from the Pew Center shows that the age structure of U.S. lawmakers has also been gradually getting younger since 2018. Although older lawmakers still dominate, the number of Generation X and millennial members in Congress has been steadily rising. In the current 118th Congress, 52 representatives are millennials, making up 12% of the House of Representatives, while Generation X representatives number 166, accounting for 38%. This is an 11% increase in Generation X representatives compared to the 115th Congress in 2017.

However, for the U.S. Democratic Party, Generation X is the most rebellious. A poll conducted in late 2023 by Marist College in collaboration with media outlets found that 62% of Generation X disapproved of President Biden, a rate 10 percentage points higher than other age groups. Moreover, 52% of Generation X respondents selected the option of “strongly disapprove” of Biden. Analysts suggest that this serves as a warning to the Democratic Party to pay more attention to the needs and expectations of Generation X in future elections.

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