Although some people bristle at the notion of yet another label, many Jonesers say they like the idea of a generation to call their own. The older boomers are pretty close to retirement. I can't even begin to think that way. I would never have known who the Backstreet Boys were if I didn't have a little girl who's in love with them. Now, this in-between generation is beginning to find its voice, Mr. Pontell says.
Generational identity goes deeper than popular culture.
It touches on shared experiences, expectations and attitudes. In a general way, it helps people define themselves. But the baby boom generation has been too big to offer an identity to its younger members, Generation Jones, Dr. DiRenzo and other experts say. Boomers traditionally include everyone born in the 19 years from 1946 to 1964. People at the tail end are different than those in the beginning.