Gerações contemporâneas: as classificações de gerações no mundo e os estudos geracionais brasileiros.

Abstract

This dissertation focuses on contemporary generations: their classifications in the global context and studies in Brazil. It is important to highlight the academic and social importance of understanding cultural and historical specificities in generational classification. Historically, the classification of generations has been largely influenced by the North American model, with limited suitability to the Brazilian context. Recent international academic production has increasingly criticized the inaccuracies and lack of methodological robustness in the application of this model. In this sense, this research aimed to map generational classifications in the global context and investigate the specificities of studies on Brazilian generations. Methodologically, two scoping reviews were adopted, entitled "Generational classifications in societies: a scoping review" and "Our Generations: A scoping review on studies of Brazilian generations". The recommendations of the JBI Manual and the PRISMA checklists were followed. The data sources used were Scopus, Web of Science and SciELO. There was no initial time limit in the first review, and an initial time limit of 2013 in the second, and a final time limit of November 2024 for both. Among the results, in addition to the centrality of historical factors, the research identified six dimensions present in the analyses of the studies found and of notable relevance, namely: political, economic, social, technological, cultural and natural. The need for an approach that integrates the dimensions mentioned in a systematic way was demonstrated, and a multidimensional procedural model for classifying generations was proposed. In addition, the inadequacy of the universal application of generational classifications in contexts other than those for which they were designed was demonstrated. This includes the application of the North American classification to Brazil. This study also proposed the valorization of Brazilian singularities in future generational classifications. The analysis of Brazilian studies revealed a predominance of quantitative methods, a critical shortage of qualitative and longitudinal approaches, and important conceptual and methodological gaps. The conclusions point to the need for the development, validation and use of instruments adapted to the Brazilian context. Furthermore, there is a demand for inter-regional comparative studies and an expansion of international comparative analyses, especially in Latin America. Furthermore, the transformative potential of this knowledge is highlighted, with practical implications for public policies, organizational management and marketing strategies, among others, reinforcing an optimistic perspective on the critical role of academic research for an inclusive and cohesive society.