The Luckiest Generation or Spoiled Brats? International Print Media and the Baby Boom Generation

• In Event: 349 - Section on Aging and the Life Course Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable: Section on Aging and the Life Course Roundtables. Table 01. Ageism and Resistance

Abstract

Much has been written about the baby-boom generation in the United States and elsewhere. Although the dates of this generation vary depending on country, the basic definition remains the same: those born during a period of rapidly increasing birth rates immediately following the end of World War II. Beyond their numbers, much, and yet little, is known about this generation. While research efforts have focused on a myriad of topics relevant to this generation such as their economic well-being, family composition and subsequent relationships, less is known regarding how they are viewed by the broader media community.
Utilizing the international newspaper section of Lexis-Nexis, this research addresses how baby boomers are presented in the print media. In particular this research explores how the print media in a number of countries with English newspapers frame articles regarding the baby boom generation. Findings indicate a range of differences between countries in their coverage of this generation and the categories used in their presentation. More specifically, the data suggest that the baby boom generation is framed more as a socially created social problem rather than as an engaged segment of society. The categories utilized by the print media to construct this image are addressed as are the implications for this generation.

Author

• Duane A. Matcha, Siena College