#054: Why Are Millennials "The Therapy Generation"? (ft. Jennifer Silva)

In this episode we interview Prof. Jennifer Silva, author of Coming Up Short: Working-Class Adulthood in an Age of Uncertainty. Silva interviewed 100 working class young adults for the book (published in 2013) and found that most interviewees attributed their life problems to psychological issues located within themselves rather than economic or political problems located outside of themselves. While Silva initially found it almost bewildering that none of her interviewees thought of their problems as related to declining wages and working conditions, and other economically and politically determined factors, she later concluded that the more internally focused and psychologized shift was a kind of survival mechanism for working class millennials. If traditional institutions such as churches, unions, the family, government, had failed their parents as well as themselves, the self would be the most rational place to retreat to "work through" struggle. This may explain why millennials are "the therapy generation."

Silva's most recent book is called We're Still Here Pain and Politics in the Heart of America, which you can find here: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/were-still-here-9780190888046?cc=us&lang=en&

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ATTENTION! This is a Boring Dystopia/Obligatory 'don't sue us' message: This podcast provides numerous different perspectives and criticisms of the mental health space, however, it should not be considered medical advice. Please consult your medical professional with regards to any health decisions or management.