Millennials are turning into their boomer parents. At least, that’s what a growing body of research suggests. According to a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, millennials are exhibiting similar traits and behaviors to their parents, including a love of material possessions, a fear of aging, and a focus on work-life balance.
The study, which analyzed data from over 3,000 millennials, found that many of them are embracing traditional values that were once thought to be the domain of baby boomers. For example, the study found that millennials are more likely to prioritize owning a home and starting a family over pursuing a career or traveling the world.
Other research has also highlighted the similarities between millennials and boomers. A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found that 53% of millennials say that the key to a happy life is earning a lot of money, while 46% say it’s having a good family life. These findings are eerily reminiscent of the values held by baby boomers, who prioritized financial security and family above all else.
So, what’s driving this shift in values? Some experts say it’s due to the economic uncertainty of the past decade, which has made millennials more risk-averse and focused on security. Others argue that it’s a natural response to the changing nature of work and society, as millennials seek to build a sense of stability and security in an uncertain world.
Regardless of the reason, the fact remains that millennials are embracing traditional values in ways that were once thought to be uniquely boomer. And as they do, they’re leaving behind the radical ideals of their youth, such as the pursuit of alternative lifestyles and the rejection of mainstream values.
