Chapter Two Summary and Analysis

In the early-1980s more people begin purposefully having children and in the years that follow parents worry more than ever over potential dangers and threats to children. Soon, almost every issue is presented in terms of its impact to children. Howe and Strauss contend that this marks a trend in the Millenial Generation that they are more wanted, protected, and worthy than earlier generations.

Howe and Strauss write that when members of Generation X begin to be born in the early-1960s fertility rates fall dramatically from their Boomer era peaks, and this correlates with a drop in concern for children. During the 1980s, concern for children rebounds to greater heights than seen before in American society with products for children appearing everywhere. The term "family values" comes to dominate the national dialogue during the 1990s. Politicians essentially...