The Postponed Generation: Why America's Grown-Up Kids Are Growing Up Later - Softcover

Littwin, Susan

Softcover

ISBN 10: 068807295X ISBN 13: 9780688072957

Publisher: William Morrow & Co, 1987

Synopsis

Based on hundreds of interviews this study examines the pressures and conflicts facing today's youth as they mature and explore the reasons behind the phenomenon of large numbers of grown children choosing to live with their parents

About this title

From Publishers Weekly:

Contrary to the view that college-educated Americans in their 20s are pragmatic careerists, Littwin argues here that they are a "confused, unfocused, and dependent" generation whose unrealistic expectations have ill-prepared them for the 1980s. As a result, failing to find the easy rewards promised in their childhoods of the abundant '60s, many postpone accepting adult responsibilities until their 30s. Drawing on interviews, Littwin, a California-based freelance journalist, finds these directionless people taking dead-end jobs, engaging in escapist creativity, returning to parents' homes, and refusing all commitments. In contrast, those with '80s-style aspirationsentrepreneurs and high-tech specialistsare realizing them, according to the author. Her study offers sharp insights into today's young adults and the forces shaping their lives. 50,000 first printing; 60,000 ad/promo; author tour. February 21
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal:

With admirable objectivity only occasionally marred by value judgments, Littwin explores a provocative subjectwhy today's young adults (in their 20s and early 30s) mature later than earlier generations. Combining hard research and insightful narrative with many interviews, she shows how unrealistic expectations coupled with diminished realities account for the inability of young people (except in high tech fields) to commit to job, marriage, and community. Yuppies (in chapters like "Renaissance Women" and "Business Kids") receive more in-depth treatment than their failing contemporaries, "Yuffies." Littwin writes well, but her advice to parents sounds either obvious or expensive (paying kids' therapy and health insurance). For psychology/sociology collections. Janice Arenofsky, formerly with Arizona State Lib., Phoenix
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: William Morrow & Co
• Publication date: 1987
• ISBN 10: 068807295X
• ISBN 13: 9780688072957
• Binding: Paperback