The "millennials" appear to be particularly different from the previous "Generation X", born between 1961 and 1981, and the so-called "boomer generation", which refers to the baby boomers born between 1946 and 1964. For some years now, this has been noticeable in young families, among others, who often share a completely different attitude to parenting and family life than their parents and grandparents.

What distinguishes the "millennials" from "Gen X"?

Millennials belong to a generation that spent their childhood without digital media, but consciously experienced the development of the internet and the rapid globalization that came with it in their youth. For this reason, they are generally open to the digital world, but at the same time also reflect on it. However, the previous generations were already adults at the start of digitalization and are for the most part rather cautious, reserved and critical of it.

As a result, millennials, unlike Gen X or the boomers, believe that their activities on social networks do not conflict with their family life. On the contrary, they actually use them to stay in touch with friends and family while having enough time for their own children, partners and careers. This provides them with opportunities to network with other people across all geographical boundaries, in which they also allow their children to participate.

What influence does social change have on the family image of millennials?

As a result of social change, globalization and, above all, the development of social media, increasing individualization is criticized, among other things. As a result, more and more young people are devoting themselves to their careers and self-realization first and deciding to get married or have children much later than previous generations.

However, even today there are still many couples who opt for the traditional family image as shaped by the Christian church. They are just doing it a little later and want to secure themselves in all areas of their lives before agreeing to such a commitment. In addition, they are increasingly turning away from the old traditions, so that an engagement does not always require the grandmother's inherited ring, but a pretty silver heart chain also serves its purpose.

As a result, the divorce rate has continued to fall in recent years. However, another reason for this could also be the willingness of millennials to deal with and work on the problems in their relationship and their own psyche.

One particularly interesting development, however, is the increasing openness towards other family models. There are now more and more happy patchwork families, single households and homosexual couples with children, as well as numerous other family models that the generation is open and friendly towards. So you could say that millennials stand for tolerance, openness and diversity when it comes to the concept of families.