User:Fjones26/Generation Z

Diversity

Generation Z has been positioned 2nd in between baby boomers and millennial size-wise with a population of over 68 million, one of the largest and most diverse generations to date according to the U.S Census data. A quarter is Hispanic, 6 percent are Asian, and fourteen percent are African-American, according to studies led by the Pew Research Center.Racial and ethnic diversity are expected to increase at an exponential rate, with the U.S expected to have it's majority be 'non-white' in less than the next 10 years. Another reason behind this is the rate of interracial-marriage/dating increasing with more and more people becoming open to date outside their race. According to the recent U.S census,15 percent of recent newlyweds are interracial. In 2015, 14 percent of newborn babies were born of mixed-race or mixed-ethnicity, tripled from 1980. Not only is generation Z the most diverse racially and ethnically, but it also has the highest diversity rate in sexuality and gender expression. With the recent growth rate of acceptance, people have been more comfortable being open about their sexual orientation and/or gender expression. 66 percent of people born after 1995 identify exclusively heterosexual, with baby boomers at 88 percent, and Gen X at 71 percent. Compared to other generations besides millennials, Generation Z isn’t as serious about religion. About a third of Gen Zers identify as atheist or agnostic. For millennials, it's about the same number, 23 percent for Generation X, 17 percent for baby boomers, according to Pew research. 42 percent of Generation Z identify as Christian, 17 percent Catholic, and roughly about 8 percent are of the Islamic faith. Religious diversity is a growing trend in modern-day society with immigration and people becoming more open to other ideas, especially with our youth. With all this said, it is clear to say Generation Z is the most diverse generation across all boards, but it won't hold that title for long as the following generation will.

The Future

Since Generation Z is the youngest and newest generation, it’s end-result is unknown. The world doesn't exactly know how this generation will play out, but we have an idea. Gen Z children are often viewed as 'digital natives' or that they were taught how to use technology as they were raised. A majority of this generation doesn't know a world without high-end technology, being that the first smartphone was released in 1992; 3 years before Gen Z begins. Gen Z uses technology to help them with their educational studies. 52 percent of Gen Zers use YouTube for help on normal research assignments, 33 percent watch lessons online, 20 percent read digital textbooks on tablets, and 32 percent do work with their classmates over the internet. With a quarter of the population under the age of 19, The upcoming workforce is going to have extreme makeover years to come. 60 percent of Gen Zers are pursuing employment that leaves a positive footprint on society. 76 Percent of Zers are take issues like climate change and human impact on the planet seriously.The the legacy that Generation Z will leave behind should be one to remember, but as the oldest members of Gen z are around the age of 24. The possibilities are endless for what Generation Z will be remembered for.