A groundbreaking, “lavishly informative” (The New York Times) portrait of the six generations that currently live in the United States and how they connect, conflict, and compete with one another—from the acclaimed author of Generation Me and iGen.

Upending the conventional theory that generational differences are caused by major events, Dr. Jean Twenge analyzes data on 39 million people from robust national surveys—some going back nearly a century—to show that changes in technology are the underlying driver of each generation’s unique makeup. In this revelatory work, Twenge outlines key shifts in attitudes and lifestyle choices that define each generation regarding gender, income, politics, race, sexuality, marriage, mental health, and much more.

Surprising, engaging, and informative, Generations “gets you thinking about how appreciating generational differences can, ironically, bring us together” (Angela Duckworth, New York Times bestselling author). It will forever change the way you view your parents, peers, coworkers, and children, no matter which generation you call your own.

About The Author

Photograph by Pam Davis

Jean M. Twenge

Jean M. Twenge, PhD, a professor of psychology at San Diego State University, is the author of more than a hundred scientific publications and several books based on her research, including Generations, iGen, and Generation Me. Her research has been covered in Time, The Atlantic, Newsweek, The New York Times, USA TODAY, and The Washington Post. She has also been featured on Today, Good Morning America, Fox and Friends, CBS This Morning, and NPR. She lives in San Diego with her husband and three daughters.

Product Details

Publisher: Atria Books (April 25, 2023)
Length: 560 pages
ISBN13: 9781982181635

Raves and Reviews

“Lavishly informative.” —David Brooks, The New York Times

“Fascinating… an informative and insightful study of the dynamics at play in U.S. society today.” —Publishers Weekly

“Few scholars have been as smart on the subject of contemporary narcissism and young people’s relationship with their gadgets as the social psychologist Jean Twenge…[Her] new book, Generations, is chockablock with interesting, surprising insights.” —Frank Bruni, The New York Times

“In this magnum opus, Jean Twenge summarizes three decades of research and survey data from 39 million people to paint a portrait of six American generations. Her conclusions about technology and individualism—and her predictions for the future—will leave you gasping. More important, Jean gets you thinking about how appreciating generational differences can, ironically, bring us together.” —Angela Duckworth, New York Times bestselling author of Grit

“Jean Twenge’s fascinating new book gives key insights into how cultural trends have shaped each generation's psychological well-being – it is essential reading for anyone concerned about today's mental health crisis.” —Lori Gottlieb, New York Timesbestselling author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone

“This is a gripping family saga, told in graphs and stories, about the six living generations. Twenge shows not just how we all differ from our parents and children, but why. It’s not mostly because of major events; it's a far more interesting story about technology and the slowing down of childhood development. Generations is vital reading for parents, teachers, managers, and anyone else who works across the generation gaps.” —Jonathan Haidt NYU—Stern School of Business, co-author of The Coddling of the American Mind

“When Jean Twenge publishes a new book, I race to get it! It rare to find a rigorous, meticulous scientist and a gifted writer in the same person. Generations is going to be an eye opener and a book that readers will revisit again and again.” —Sonja Lyubomirsky, Distinguished Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Riverside and author of The How of Happiness