Les g�n�rations X et Y du Qu�bec, vraiment diff�rentes des pr�c�dentes ?

Abstract

Many myths surround the Generation X members. Among them, the term "McJobs" is often used to describe the difficulties they have experienced on the labour market. It is justified to claim that they had a more complicated career path in comparison with other generations. However, what is really going on? Who are they really? This paper paints a portrait of both the Generation X, whose members were born between 1965 and 1975, and of their successors, the members of the Generation Y, who were born between 1975 and 1985. More precisely, this research will put emphasis on some highlights about the behaviour of the X and Y in Quebec contemporary society. This study will examine the themes of family, their attitude toward the labour market and saving. In order to have a better understanding of the extent of the differences observed, both groups will be compared with the baby boomers [who were divided in two subgroups, the old boomers (1945-1954) and the young boomers (1955-1964)]. The research findings coming from this analysis are numerous. We learn, among other things, that the X and the Y have fairly different behaviours than the baby boomers. Overall, these two birth cohorts had to go through a clearly less comfortable situation than the baby boomers. However, we also learn that the situation experienced by the young boomers, in some areas, is not very distant from what the Generation X is going through. However, the X will have to invest a lot in order to face retirement issues.Generation X, GenerationY, Unemployment, Demography, Savings