What Are the Cultural Shapers for Generation X?

This was a generation where divorce rates soared and more mothers entered the workplace
(no, this is not about blaming mothers but rather to explain how cultural shifts impact a generation).  This is when the term ‘latchkey kid’ surfaced and I certainly remember this growing up. Many of my friends went home to empty houses every day because both parents were working.  As a result this generation tends to be highly independent (unlike Gen Y which tends to be more dependent). This generation also experienced 2 recessions and many saw their parents lose their jobs (often after years of loyalty), which makes them more reluctant to commit to jobs long-term.