Income inequality might be shaping the millennial generation and exacerbating a decades-long trend of narcissism.
More income inequality correlates with higher self-regard among individuals, according to Live Science. Thus, as a wave of individualism-driven narcissism continues unabated in the United States, a greater inward focus in Americans continue.
That doesn’t mean the terrifying image of youth pioneered by cranky grandparents holds. Millennials aren’t some alien breed of selfie-taking, selfish monsters obsessed with themselves. Traditional American values still hold, and in a country as diverse as the United States, painting a generation of youngsters with such a broad brush is questionable.
“Americans value obedience in children less than in the past and see social contribution as less important for a good life — both signs of individualism. But Americans are no less likely today than in the past to value friends and relatives, and are more likely to believe in unconditional love for their parents, which are communal values,” Stephanie Pappas noted.
The economy could exacerbate those indicators of individualism. Long-term trends in the shift from blue-collar to white-collar jobs have correlated with increased levels of individualism and narcissism.
In some ways, it might be a coping mechanism. As the economy shifts and workers have to rely more on their individual skills to secure a job, especially during times of an economic downturn, they need confidence and an awareness of their marketable skills to earn a paycheck. And, when they expect pay or working conditions commiserate with their value, older generations interpret that as an entitled and ungrateful attitude.
Especially with the rise of the internet and social media, those perceptions can be amplified as anyone sees fit to do.
