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"Cuspers" redirects here. For the life stage, see Twixter.
Not to be confused with Cusp (astrology).

A cusper is a person born near the end of one generation and the beginning of another. People born in these circumstances tend to have a mix of characteristics common to their adjacent generations, but do not closely resemble those born in the middle of their adjacent generations.[1][2][3][4] Generational profiles are built based on people born in the middle of a generation rather than those on the tails of a generation.[5] Generations may overlap by five to eight years.[5][6][7] As such, many people identify with aspects of at least two generations.[5] The precise birth years defining when generations start and end vary.[8]

Look up cusper in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

Lancaster and Stillman (2002) introduced the term, cusper, in reference to those who are born at either end of a generation, and consequently, may identified to some extent with the generation before or after it. The authors observed that such individuals can often play an important role in mediating dialogue between members of different generations.[9] Other authors like Ubl, Walden and Arbit (2017) observed something similar: "the truth is that they play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless communication across generations. Cuspers are natural translators because they often speak the language of two generations. Sometimes we even call them generationally bilingual!"[10]

Notable cusper groups

Greatest Generation/Silent Generation

Date ranges

  • Just before the 1920s, as identified by Graeme Codrington[11]

Characteristics

These cuspers experienced the lows after World War I but also the highs of the early Roaring Twenties, the Flappers, the Charleston and early silent films. As these cuspers came of age, some of them become more visionary like the Greatest Generation or stoic like the Silents.[11]

Silent Generation/Baby Boomers

Date ranges

  • 1933–1945 as identified by Susan Mitchell[12]
  • 1939–1945 as identified by Claire Raines Associates[5]
  • 1940–1945 as identified by Lynne Lancaster and David Stillman, authors of When Generations Collide,[13] as well as The Mayo Clinic[8]
  • 1942–1948 as identified by Trompenaars and Woolliams.[14]
  • 1943–1948 as identified by Deon Smit, writing for HR Future[4]

Characteristics

Claire Raines Associates names these cuspers the Sandwich Group,[5] Susan Mitchell calls these cuspers the Swing Generation,[12][15]Smit calls them Troomers[4] and Trompenaars and Woolliams call them Shhh-oomers.[16] According to the Mayo Clinic, these cuspers have the work ethic of the Silent Generations, but like Baby Boomers will often challenge the status quo.[8] Codrington describes them as having the status-seeking, career advancement motivations as Baby Boomers.[11] Codrington adds that they are old enough to remember World War II, but were born too late to enjoy the 1960s.[11] Hart notes that research has found the younger members of the Silent Generation tended to share more traits with Baby Boomers.[17] Writer Marian Botsford Fraser described women in this cusper population as girls who "...did not smoke dope at high school, go to rock concerts, toy with acid and the pill and hippie boyfriends at university or tour Europe with a backpack." Instead, she notes "These girls wore crinolines and girdles, went to The Prom, went to nursing school and teachers' college, rarely university."[18] Speaking of Susan Mitchell's population specifically they are believed to be an anomaly in that they tend be more activist and free thinkers than those born prior to them in the Silent Generation.[3][12] Lancaster and Stillman echo this last point and note that these cuspers were on the frontlines of America's internal struggles as adults, agitating in favor of human rights. They go on to say many women among these cuspers entered in to male-dominated workplaces before the women's movement existed, blazing a trail for other generations of women to follow.[13]

Baby Boomers/Generation X

Main article: Generation Jones

Date ranges

  • 1954–1965 as identified by Jonathan Pontell[19]
  • 1955–1960 as identified by Mary E. Donahue[20]
  • 1958–1967 as identified by Mark Wegierski of the Hudson Institute[21]
  • 1960–1965 as identified by Lancaster and Stillman,[13] Mayo Clinic,[8] and Andrea Stone writing in USA Today[22]
  • 1961–1968 as identified by Trompennars and Woolliams.[23]
  • 1962–1967 as identified by Smit[4]
  • 1964–1969 as identified by Codrington[1]

Characteristics

This population is sometimes referred to as Generation Jones,[19][3] and less commonly as Tweeners,[22] Baby X’s by Smit[4] and Boomerex by Trompenaars and Woolliams.[23] These cuspers were not as financially successful as older Baby Boomers.[8][13] They experienced a recession like many Generation Xers but had a much more difficult time finding jobs than Generation X did.[8][13] While they learned to be IT-savvy, they did not have computers until after high school but were some of the first to purchase them for their homes.[8][11] They were among some of the first to take an interest in video games.[13] They get along well with Baby Boomers, but share different values. While they are comfortable in office environments, they are more relaxed at home. They are less interested in advancing their careers than Baby Boomers and more interested in quality of life.[11]

Generation X/Millennials

Main article: Xennials

Date ranges

Characteristics

The Generation X/Millennial cuspers are most commonly referred to as Xennials, although other names include the Oregon Trail Generation, Generation Catalano and The Lucky Ones.[7] Researchers point out that these cuspers have both the healthy skepticism of Generation X and the optimism of Millennials.[13][11][8] They are likely to challenge authority, but also are more career-focused than Generation X.[11] While not all of these cuspers are digital natives,[29] they are very comfortable with technology.[8]

"Xennials"

The term Xennial first appeared in an article for GOOD magazine, written by Jed Oelbaum and Sarah Stankorb, who is attributed with coining it.[30][31]

Millennials/Generation Z

Main article: Zillennials

Date ranges

Characteristics

Names given for these cuspers include the Snapchat Generation by Ubl, Walden, and Arbit,[24] MinionZ by Smit,[4] Zillennials,[42] and Zennials.[43] They are characterized as being "raised less by optimistic Boomers and more by skeptical Xers and pragmatic Gen Jonesers, who raised them to focus more on the practical rather than the aspirational."[24]

Generation Z/Generation Alpha

Date ranges

  • 2008-2013 as identified by Leyts[44]

Characteristics

Zalphas are the first-of-its-kind hybrid cusp born entirely in the 21st century. Gen Z and Gen Alpha's unique characteristics make them a hybrid. As the children of Xennials, they represent the convergence of the digital world and the physical world. They grew up with advanced technologies such as smartphones and social media, which are integral parts of their lives. This special status makes them the first generation cusp to be completely immersed in the digital world, which significantly impacts their perceptions and behaviors.[45]

Workplace importance

Communication misunderstandings between employees of different generations are detrimental to workplace morale, increasing turnover and absenteeism while decreasing job satisfaction, work commitment and productivity.[46][47] Effective communication between employees of different generations, however, allows for collaborative relationships and ensures that information is retained from one generation to the next.[46] Cuspers play an important role in multi-generational workplaces and other organizations.[13][11] Metaphorically, cuspers are like bridges or glue that connect members of their adjacent major generations.[4][29] Between generations, they are naturally skilled at mediating, translating, mentoring and managing.[13][11] Strategically placing cuspers in the workplace has the potential to reduce generational workplace friction and give organizations doing so a competitive advantage.[7][48]

Generational identity

Many cuspers do not feel a sense of belonging to a specific generation.[11][13] Researchers studying generational subculture theory have speculated that there may be populations within larger generational cohorts whose values are more in line with those of preceding generations, for example, someone born in the range of Generation X who has a moral philosophy more similar to the Silent Generation.[7][49] The generational fuzziness theory proposes that one's generation is best defined as the combination of one's birth year and generational identity—the cultural generation to feel most similar to.[50][51] They have the advantage of having one foot in two generational worlds. According to Lynne C. Lancaster and David Stillman in their book, When Generations Collide: Who They Are. Why They Clash. How To Solve The Generational Puzzle At Work, cuspers have a natural ability to identify with multiple generations' beliefs and interests. Not all cuspers identify with both sides of the generational dividing line. Many adopt the values of one side and conduct themselves accordingly.[52]

References

  1. ^ a b Codrington, Graeme (2008). "Detailed introduction to generational theory" (PDF): 1–15. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  2. ^ Hammill, G. "Mixing and managing four generations of employees". FDU Magazine Online. 12 (2).
  3. ^ a b c Giancola, Frank (2006). "The generation gap: more myth than reality". Human Resource Planning. 29 (4): 32–7. ISSN 0199-8986.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i Smit, Deon (December 2017). "Do you have enough "Generational Glue" in your organisation?". HR Future. 2017 (Dec 2017): 22–23. ISSN 1608-8506.
  5. ^ a b c d e Claire Raines Associates (2003). "Generations at Work: Frequently Asked Questions". Archived from the original on 2006-08-08. Retrieved 2019-02-02.
  6. ^ Kupperschmidt, Betty R. (2000). "Multigeneration Employees: Strategies for Effective Management". The Health Care Manager. 19 (1): 65–76. doi:10.1097/00126450-200019010-00011. ISSN 1525-5794. PMID 11183655.
  7. ^ a b c d Taylor, Melissa Kempf (2018). "Xennials: a microgeneration in the workplace". Industrial and Commercial Training. 50 (3): 136–147. doi:10.1108/ICT-08-2017-0065. ISSN 0019-7858.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Mayo Clinic Staff (July 6, 2005). "Workplace generation gap: Understand differences among colleagues". Archived from the original on March 16, 2007.
  9. ^ Murray, Joseph L.; Arnett, Jeffrey Jensen (2018-09-13). Emerging Adulthood and Higher Education: A New Student Development Paradigm. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-317-22591-1.
  10. ^ Ubl, Hannah L.; Walden, Lisa X.; Arbit, Debra (2017-04-06). Managing Millennials For Dummies. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 978-1-119-31023-5.
  11. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Graeme Codrington (1 October 2012). "Chapter 9: If you don't fit in ... You could be a 'Cusper'". Mind the Gap: Own your past, know your generation, choose your future. Penguin Random House South Africa. ISBN 978-0-14-352911-8.
  12. ^ a b c Susan Mitchell (2003). American Generations: Who They Are, how They Live, what They Think. New Strategist Publications. ISBN 978-1-885070-46-3. OCLC 51031116.
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Lynne C. Lancaster; David Stillman (13 October 2009). "Chapter 3: The Tie-Dyed Preppy". When Generations Collide: Who They Are. Why They Clash. How to Solve the Generational Puzzle at Work. HarperCollins. ISBN 978-0-06-175589-7.
  14. ^ Trompenaars, Fons; Woolliams, Peter (2024-01-29). New Approaches to Recruitment and Selection. Emerald Group Publishing. ISBN 978-1-83797-761-1.
  15. ^ Wey Smola, Karen; Sutton, Charlotte D. (2002). "Generational differences: revisiting generational work values for the new millennium". Journal of Organizational Behavior. 23 (4): 363–382. doi:10.1002/job.147. ISSN 0894-3796.
  16. ^ Trompenaars, Fons; Woolliams, Peter (2024-01-29). New Approaches to Recruitment and Selection. Emerald Group Publishing. ISBN 978-1-83797-761-1.
  17. ^ Hart KA (2006). "Generations in the workplace: finding common ground". MLO Med Lab Obs. 38 (10): 26–7. PMID 17086828.
  18. ^ Elve, Barbara (2000-06-15). "Stats prof has come a long way". University of Waterloo Daily Bulletin. Archived from the original on 2006-10-14. Retrieved 2019-02-01.
  19. ^ a b Wellner, Alison Stein (2000). "Generational Divide. Are Traditional Methods of Classifying a Generation Still Meaningful in a Diverse and Changing Nation?". American Demographics. 22 (10): 52–58.
  20. ^ a b c Mary E. Donahue (29 September 2020). "Chapter One Step 1: Stop Assuming". Message Received: 7 Steps to Break Down Communication Barriers at Work. McGraw-Hill Education. p. 35. ISBN 978-1-260-45636-3.
  21. ^ Wegierski, Mark (23 April 2004). "Defining the "Cuspers"". Hudson Institute. Archived from the original on 17 August 2016. Retrieved 5 August 2016.
  22. ^ a b Stone, Andrea (22–24 March 1996). "Not boomers, not Xers, they are Tweeners". USA Today. Archived from the original on 16 July 2012. Retrieved 2019-02-01.
  23. ^ a b c d Trompenaars, Fons; Woolliams, Peter (2024-01-29). New Approaches to Recruitment and Selection. Emerald Group Publishing. ISBN 978-1-83797-761-1.
  24. ^ a b c d Hannah L. Ubl; Lisa X. Walden; Debra Arbit (24 April 2017). "Chapter 13: Making Adjustments for Ages and Life Stages". Managing Millennials For Dummies. John Wiley & Sons. p. 266. ISBN 978-1-119-31022-8.
  25. ^ Shafrir, Doree (24 October 2011). "Generation Catalano". Slate. Retrieved 6 November 2015.
  26. ^ "Words We're Watching: 'Xennial'". Retrieved 2017-12-02.
  27. ^ Lebowitz, Shana (10 March 2018). "There's a term for people born in the early 80s who don't feel like a millennial or a Gen X-er–here's everything we know". Business Insider. Retrieved 2019-01-29.
  28. ^ Stollen, Marleen; Wolf, Gisela (10 January 2018). "There's a term for people born in the early 80's who don't feel like a millennial or Gen Xer". Business Insider. Retrieved 2 May 2018.
  29. ^ a b Fluck, A.; Dowden, T. (2013). "On the cusp of change: examining pre-service teachers' beliefs about ICT and envisioning the digital classroom of the future". Journal of Computer Assisted Learning. 29 (1): 43–52. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2729.2011.00464.x. ISSN 0266-4909.
  30. ^ Reasonable People Disagree about the Post-Gen X, Pre-Millennial Generation Article by Jed Oelbaum, containing two texts by Oelbaum and Sarah Stankorb. Published on GOOD.is, September 25, 2014.
  31. ^ I Made Up Xennial 3 Years Ago, So Why Is a Professor in Australia Getting All the Credit? Article by Sarah Stankorb. Published on Vogue.com, July 6, 2017.
  32. ^ "Meet the 'zillennials,' who grew up online, live with their parents, and have retailers chasing their disposable income". Business Insider. 17 January 2023.
  33. ^ Napoli, Cassandra (May 22, 2020). "WGSN: Zennials: The In-Between Generation". wgsn.com. Archived from the original on 2020-10-25. Retrieved 18 February 2021.
  34. ^ Belen Archetto, Maria (14 May 2021). "4 tendencias de moda zillennial que se despiden de la brecha generacional". Vogue.mx (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 2021-05-18.
  35. ^ Everett, Mary (March 3, 2021). "Are You Confused by the Current Generational War? Congrats, You May Be a Zennial!". PopSugar. Archived from the original on 2021-03-03. Retrieved 8 March 2021.
  36. ^ "Ketchum Introduces the GenZennial, an Influential Blend of Two Generations". www.prnewswire.com (Press release).
  37. ^ Farren, Maisy (August 20, 2020). "'Zillennials' Are Haunted By Their Internet History". Vice. Retrieved 2020-10-15.
  38. ^ "Los zillennials atrapados entre los millennials y la Generación Z". 18 August 2021.
  39. ^ "JOB SATISFACTION HITS 20-YEAR LOW ACROSS U.S. WORKFORCE, LOWEST AMONG 'ZILLENNIALS'". MetLife.
  40. ^ Dreisinger, Kimberly (June 17, 2019). "Cuspers: Creative, Stressed, Impulsive --- Fullscreen Generational Study Shines Light on the Unique Life Stage Between Millennials and Gen Z". businesswire.com. Retrieved 11 December 2022.
  41. ^ Ward, Terry (10 May 2023). "Zillennials: The newest micro-generation has a name". CNN.
  42. ^ Pence, Laura (May 26, 2021). "There's a New Term for People Who Aren't a Millennial or GenZ". WFXB. Archived from the original on 2021-05-27.
  43. ^ DeGering, Nicea (March 4, 2021). "Do you feel left out of the generational war? You might be a zennial". abc4.com. Archived from the original on 2021-03-05. Retrieved 7 March 2021.
  44. ^ Leyts, Maarten (2023-12-13). Generation ZAlpha: Connecting with the Next Micro-Generation. Terra - Lannoo, Uitgeverij. ISBN 978-94-014-6450-5.
  45. ^ https://www.generationzalpha.com/blog/digital-evolution-of-gen-zalpha
  46. ^ a b Nwosu, Moses C.; Igwe, Chuma O.; Nnadozie, Kingsley N. (2016). "Managing generational diversity in the workplace: implications for the digital era university library management" (PDF). International Journal of Applied Technologies in Library and Information Management. 2 (2): 1–17. ISSN 2467-8120.
  47. ^ Sakdiyakorn, Malinvisa; Wattanacharoensil, Walanchalee (2017). "Generational Diversity in the Workplace: A Systematic Review in the Hospitality Context". Cornell Hospitality Quarterly. 59 (2): 135–159. doi:10.1177/1938965517730312. ISSN 1938-9655. S2CID 158703769.
  48. ^ "The organizational value of Xennials". Human Resource Management International Digest. 26 (4): 22–24. 2018. doi:10.1108/HRMID-04-2018-0066. ISSN 0967-0734. S2CID 242049521.
  49. ^ Robertson, Christopher J.; Ralston, David A.; Crittenden, William F. (2012). "The relationship between cultural values and moral philosophy: a generational subculture theory approach". AMS Review. 2 (2–4): 99–107. doi:10.1007/s13162-012-0029-2. ISSN 1869-814X. S2CID 143055702.
  50. ^ Campbell, Stacy M.; Twenge, Jean M.; Campbell, W. Keith (2017). "Fuzzy But Useful Constructs: Making Sense of the Differences Between Generations". Work, Aging and Retirement. 3 (2): 130–139. doi:10.1093/workar/wax001. ISSN 2054-4642.
  51. ^ Appel-Meulenbroek, H.A.J.A.; Vosters, S.M.C.; Kemperman, A.D.A.M.; Arentze, T.A. (2019). Workplace needs and their support; are millennials different from other generations?. Twenty fifth annual Pacific Rim Real Estate Society conference (PRRES 2019). Melbourne, Australia. pp. 1–14. Archived from the original on 2019-02-03. Retrieved 2019-02-03.
  52. ^ Johnson, Meagan; Johnson, Larry (2010-05-19). Generations, Inc.: From Boomers to Linksters--Managing the Friction Between Generations at Work. AMACOM. ISBN 978-0-8144-1576-4.
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