Sociological Typology of Gen z: A Critique of Generationalism

Gen Z comprises individuals born between 1995 and 2010 (1375-1390). This paper explores their social values and attitudes, comparing them with previous generations. The aim is to describe Gen Z characteristics using empirical methods. The research employed a survey conducted through TLS sampling in urban squares across 22 regions of Tehran. The survey encompassed individuals aged 15-65 years (N=1218), with an optimal subset for each of the three generations (N=400). The Iranian Student Polling Agency (ISPA) conducted the survey. In order to design the questionnaire and analyze the findings, a number of interviews were also conducted. Content analysis of qualitative researches conducted about Generation Z has also been used.
We distinguished three distinct types among Gen Z: egoist-success oriented, family-relation oriented, and altruist – society oriented. The most prevalent type, that is the egoist-success oriented type, predominantly concerned with personal success (both in work and pleasure), views economic success as foundational to other forms of achievement such as pleasure and a good family. This type is notably more distinct from other generations compared to the family-relation and altruist-society oriented types, which exhibit fewer differences. Notably, the differences between Gen Z and Millennials are marginal, whereas disparities with older generations are more pronounced. According to our study, Gen Z demonstrates significant diversity in values and attitudes, debunking any simplistic, uniform portrayal of the generation as reductionist. While similarities exist across generational lines, substantial differences in values and attitudes underscore the complexity within Gen Z.