Brazilian Generations: a classification proposal by Brazilian socio-historical events

Abstract

This study conceptualizes generational formation as the outcome of specific historical and cultural events, questioning the direct transferability of generational classifications across national contexts. A review of the literature revealed the absence of a generational framework developed and empirically grounded in the Brazilian context. Accordingly, this study proposes a classification of Brazilian generations based on socio-historical events and reports from 452 participants regarding events considered significant for their individual and collective formation, across Vargas Era (1930) from 2000s. Seven generational cohorts are identified: Nationalist (1910–1929), Pre-Dictatorship (1930–1943), Repressed (1944–1958), Diretas (1959–1968), Hyperinflation (1969–1978), Social (1979–1991), and 4.0 (1992–2005). Findings indicate that generational constitution is shaped by socio-historical experiences occurring at different stages of the life course, particularly during secondary socialization. These results contribute to the literature by offering a contextually grounded generational framework, with implications for research on work, social relations, communication, and public policy.