Every twenty years a new generation rises, but who and what defines these generations? And could current generational tags mislead and miss the point?
In this insightful analysis of technology history since 1900, Dr. Rick Chromey offers a fresh perspective for understanding what makes a generation tick and differ from others. Within GenTech, readers learn how every generation uniquely interacts with particular technologies that define historical temperament and personality and why current generational labels are more fluid than fixed, and more loopy than linear. Consequently, three major generational constellations emerge, each containing four, twenty-year generations that overlap, merge, and blend:
The Audio Generations (1900-1950): Transportation-Telephone Generation (1900-1920), Motion Picture Generation (1910-1930), Radio Generation (1920-1940), Vinyl Record Generation (1930-1950)
The Digital Generations (1980-2000): Personal Computer-Cell Phone Generation (1980-2000), Net Generation (1990-2010), iTech Generation (2000-2020), and Robotics Generation (2010-2030).
If you love technology and love knowing the history of its creation, then this book is for you. It lays out how and when new tech developments came about, and how each of these developments changed the landscape of our lives. Starting in the early 1900's and leading up to the present - with a nod to the the future in the final section on the Robotics Generation - the author uses the development of technology along with important historical events to separate us into unique generations.
Gen Tech is full of interesting details and numerous lists. While I found the introductory chapters a bit hard to get through, once I got to the chapters featuring his generational groupings, it became more interesting. Each chapter opens with the birth years and coming of age years for this generational grouping. Next comes the primary tech development, a generational personality, a generational archetype, relevant icons and a list of the main historical events that happened during their youth and young adulthood. Each chapter closes with a timeline of technological events and a list of influential people born during this generation. In between, the author writes an easier to read narrative that walks us through the important history and events of that time. This is where all the information he's presented starts to come alive.
Well researched and well written, I did find many parts interesting. The one negative for me is that with all the research shared and numerous lists, it feels on the edge of more an academic book. I found myself skipping through the introductory chapters as well as just doing a quick scan down the lists. However, when the author steps away from the data and narrates the story of each generation, the book becomes much more interesting. This was especially true when I was reading the material that related to my generation.
Rick Chromey is a cultural explorer, social historian and generational futurist. He’s also served as a pastor, professor, speaker/trainer, and consultant. In 2017, he founded MANNA! Educational Services International to inspire and equip leaders, teachers, pastors, and parents. Rick has a doctorate in leadership and the emerging culture; and travels the U.S. and world to speak on culture, faith, history, education, and leadership topics. He has authored over a dozen books on leadership, natural motivation, creative communication, and classroom management. He lives with his wife, Linda, in Meridian, Idaho.
The Audio Generations (1900-1950): Transportation-Telephone Generation (1900-1920), Motion Picture Generation (1910-1930), Radio Generation (1920-1940), Vinyl Record Generation (1930-1950)
The Visual Generations (1940-1990): Television Generation (1940-1960), Space Generation (1950-1970), Gamer Generation (1960-1980) and Cable Television Generation (1970-1990)
The Digital Generations (1980-2000): Personal Computer-Cell Phone Generation (1980-2000), Net Generation (1990-2010), iTech Generation (2000-2020), and Robotics Generation (2010-2030).
Dive in and revel in this exciting, compelling, and novel perspective to understanding recent American generations with GenTech.
Review -
If you love technology and love knowing the history of its creation, then this book is for you. It lays out how and when new tech developments came about, and how each of these developments changed the landscape of our lives. Starting in the early 1900's and leading up to the present - with a nod to the the future in the final section on the Robotics Generation - the author uses the development of technology along with important historical events to separate us into unique generations.
Gen Tech is full of interesting details and numerous lists. While I found the introductory chapters a bit hard to get through, once I got to the chapters featuring his generational groupings, it became more interesting. Each chapter opens with the birth years and coming of age years for this generational grouping. Next comes the primary tech development, a generational personality, a generational archetype, relevant icons and a list of the main historical events that happened during their youth and young adulthood. Each chapter closes with a timeline of technological events and a list of influential people born during this generation. In between, the author writes an easier to read narrative that walks us through the important history and events of that time. This is where all the information he's presented starts to come alive.
Well researched and well written, I did find many parts interesting. The one negative for me is that with all the research shared and numerous lists, it feels on the edge of more an academic book. I found myself skipping through the introductory chapters as well as just doing a quick scan down the lists. However, when the author steps away from the data and narrates the story of each generation, the book becomes much more interesting. This was especially true when I was reading the material that related to my generation.
Buy the Book: Amazon.com ~ Barnes & Noble ~ IndieBound ` BAM ~ Powell's ~ Indigo ~ Rediscovered Book
Meet the Author -
Check out a fab author interview HERE!
Rick Chromey is a cultural explorer, social historian and generational futurist. He’s also served as a pastor, professor, speaker/trainer, and consultant. In 2017, he founded MANNA! Educational Services International to inspire and equip leaders, teachers, pastors, and parents. Rick has a doctorate in leadership and the emerging culture; and travels the U.S. and world to speak on culture, faith, history, education, and leadership topics. He has authored over a dozen books on leadership, natural motivation, creative communication, and classroom management. He lives with his wife, Linda, in Meridian, Idaho.
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