Psychology

The Dangers of generational myth-making: Rejoinder to Twenge

Document Type

Article

Abstract

We respond here to Twenge's article "The Evidence for Generation Me and Against Generation We." With regard to the question of whether "narcissism" is increasing among emerging adults, flaws are identified in the studies she used to make her case, and counterevidence is presented. We show that for the most part emerging adults' values have not changed in recent decades, but to the extent that change has occurred, it has been in the direction of less selfishness and more engagement in global issues as well as greater desire to ameliorate problems in the community and the world. Finally, we emphasize the duty for scholars to avoid contributing to unjustified negative stereotypes about young people that lead others to have contempt for them and refuse to support their efforts to make their way into adulthood. © 2013 Society for the Study of Emerging Adulthood and SAGE Publications.

Publication Title

Emerging Adulthood

Publication Date

2013

Volume

1

Issue

1

First Page

17

Last Page

20

ISSN

2167-6968

DOI

10.1177/2167696812466848

Keywords

antisocial behavior, family relationships, intergenerational relations, moral development, well-being, work

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