Strauss–Howe generational theory
"According to the theory, historical events are associated with recurring generational personas (Archetype). These generational personas unleash a new era (called a turning) in which a new social, political, and economic climate exists. These successive eras (turnings) tend to last around 20–22 years.
These eras are then part of a larger cyclical "saeculum" (a long human life, which usually spans between 80–90 years, although some saecula have lasted longer).
The theory states that after every Saeculum, a crisis recurs in American history, which is followed by a recovery (high).
During this recovery, institutions and communitarian values are strong. Ultimately, succeeding generational archetypes attack and weaken institutions in the name of autonomy and individualism, which ultimately creates a tumultuous political environment that ripens conditions for another crisis."
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7 comments
Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.There is no doubt history repeats itself, human nature does not seem to have evolved as much as the physical improvements needed for survival. Our government certainly has never let a good crisis go to waste; seems to even have generated some just for shits and grins.
This time in our experiment with democracy seems particularly at risk and I wonder if cooler and smarter heads will prevail and the majority can get some of the haters and war mongers spewing fear and loathing under control.
and then popped up on the music feed and all that 60's Vietnam era music came to mind.
silverotter11
Level 9
Nov 11, 2018
1
I have a big problem with the idea of how certain people (personas) shape history. To me history especially one that deals in a dramatic shift, like war are determined by the social and especially the natural environment. It is said that if people are secure they don't want to upset the applecart and promote change. It is when they feel threatened that things start to change. Invariably an individual will come along to ignite that change but often times it only takes one person speaking out. Also, politicians use history in ways that suit them so if any lessons come from someone with something to gain it probably has been altered.
JackPedigo
Level 9
Nov 11, 2018
1
It looks to me like it's a struggle for individual rights and freedom. If we leave out the fight for black equality, a long struggle now somehow integrated into the mainstream, maybe it could be said that the fight is going on noticeably since the 1960s. It is curious that the struggle for rights for the disenfranchised is carried out in social media and public venues by disallowing the rights of the supporters of the social structure to even speak up and defend their positions. Somewhere in all this, the idea must exist that everybody can have an equal share in freedom but it seems to really mean the right to be free to hold one opinion, which is a little bit like the proposition they told us God gave to Adam and Eve.
brentan2
Level 2
Nov 11, 2018
1
A number of theories that deal with humans, society and time are floating about. We seem to be in an era when certain ones won't be allowed as nation states last longer, are more aggressive toward a new first policy and less concerned about the bulk of humankind.
Historically, societies used to forgive debts after each generation (about 60 to 100 years) or due to major conflicts.
Beowulfsfriend
Level 9
Nov 10, 2018
1
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