Part 11/13:
The societal values that the boomers championed—conformity, hard work, the American Dream—may give way to new visions of life. Millennials and Gen Z face economic uncertainties, high student debt, and changing norms around marriage and family, often opting for alternative lifestyles like shared living arrangements or delaying parenthood.
Media and entertainment reflect this shift, with fewer traditional family-centered sitcoms and more cynical or diverse portrayals of work, life, and relationships. Cultural narratives are expanding beyond the classic American Dream, emphasizing authenticity, diversity, and social justice.