Centennials (generation Z- from ‘Zoomers’- born between 1995 and 2010) are the generation of contemporary young adults and teenagers. Briefly, being a Centennial means to be born in a hybrid way of life- i.e, that mixes real and virtual life- and not knowing what is it like to leave away from the internet. It is plausible to affirm that the end of Y generation is a result of the “Culture of Self”, yet not narcissistic. By that time, internet had already been embodied in ordinary life and also in professional, social and affective relationships. It is fair to say it has been even embodied in Identity. In Brazilian reality, the last Millennials age group (beginning of 90s) face the migration from stability aspiration (of being civil servants) to new job contracts, basically related to Software area, following the world trend. If job contracts are more flexible and precarious regarding Labour Law, on the one hand, they have become widen an more democratized, if we consider the new possibilities to start a business on internet, on the other. We slowly watch a switch from longing for stability to becoming entrepreneurs. During this transition, new digital platforms start to offer researching channels that, step by step, create a new paradigm for professional and directions in life: tutorials teach anything and business models teach how to be an entrepreneur. A new ‘psychological social ground’ is established. And what about Centennials? The neo-native digital generation is ‘post-globalized’. They face the consequences of climate change and digital technology advance, in social area and the increase, together with quick changes in new forms expression and self-experimentation, in private life. Although Centennials are considered an engaged generation, they are slightly different from Boomers. The consensual social issue is the environmental one. Centennials, however, are committed to building a better world, in general, through ‘micro-politics’: social projects, nature preservation and among companies/wealthy class, grows the culture of encouraging entrepreneurship. We watch a move from more individualistic aspirations to more social or missionary vocations. In this sense, Z generation could be understood as less individualistic when compared to Millennials[1][2]. Nevertheless, Centennials also suffer the impact of socio and cultural changes regarding their direction in life: the motivational culture added to higher expectations have kept and taken their student’s condition (and youth), according to Lopes[3], up to an “unbearable level[4]”. Or, yet, according to Pais [5]they have turned into an ioyo-ioyo generation(…)”, i.e: “(…) a hesitant one, changing between courses, temporary jobs, in search of new skills learning, going backing to school, unable to have a prospect of life”. To be continued on the next Post
[1]According to Iberdola site: “(…)Centennials are changing formal education. They bet on more vocational teaching skills and methods and have special interest in technology”. The key to understand Z generation, in:www.ibedola.com [2]We will not mention ideological polarization on the internet regarding ethnical, racial and other social tensions because it beyond our knowledge and the essay’s goal, which is to think of the change in models of identity and life aspirations.
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