To Be or Not to Be Generation? The Generational Unity of Youth in Italy: An Analysis of Primary Data on the Conditions of Young People

Being part of a generation, perceiving it, and believing in the existence of generational units are conditions theoretically attributed to individuals. Despite the numerous theories addressing this topic over time, few have empirically investigated whether the concepts of ‘generational bond’, ‘generational units’, and ‘generational positioning’ are grounded in reality. This study reviews various strands of literature on youth and generations to explore the existence of these concepts. Confirming their existence would elevate Mannheim’s original theory to the status of a veritable social fact. The core hypothesis posits a weak relationship between these concepts and suggests that individuals perceive both the generational bond and the presence of generational units. To test this, a bottom-up approach will be employed. Using primary data collected from young Italians (aged 18–39) between February and June 2024 (N: 12,627), the study will conduct descriptive, typological, and configurational analyses, focusing on respondents' perceptions of the key concepts from Mannheim’s classical theory of generations. The aim is to provide descriptive insights and assess whether Mannheim’s theory remains a relevant tool for sociological analysis today. This study represents a foundational step toward understanding how individuals can ‘become a generation’.