Generational identity of Lithuanians born between 1980 and 2000

Abstract

This chapter addresses the interconnections between structural change, current challenges and generational identity formation. The subjective, self-reflexive generational identity of the age cohorts born between 1980 and 2000 in Lithuania is analysed. These birth cohorts are selected for analysis because their early socialisation coincided with the deep transformation processes, ‘normalisation’ of life, and new challenges. Generational self-identity is explored by analysing and comparing the conceptualisations of belonging to a generation with the ones expressed by the 1970s generation (the ‘Last Soviet Generation’). The analysis is based on life history narratives of people born between 1980 and 2000. The main questions asked are: do cohorts born in the 1980s and 1990s have a strong generational self-identity and perceive themselves as a distinct generation or generations? If so, what features serve as the basis of their self-identity? Can we describe those born between 1980 and 2000 as a distinct ‘political73x2019; generation with a distinctive identity, or would it be more accurate to say that generational constructs of recent cohorts are based not on political criteria but on technological changes, demography and lifestyle? How do recent geopolitical events have an impact on the identity of young generations?