Demographics, Age Cohorts, and Ethnic Diversity

Vocabulary flashcards identifying key demographic terminology, age cohort traits, and U.S. ethnic population trends from the lecture transcript.

Baby Boomers

An age cohort born strictly between 1946 and 1964 that makes up approximately 30% of the U.S. population, controls 75% of all wealth, and generally holds an optimistic outlook on the future.

Social Security

A government income program that was originally meant to supply approximately 40% of an individual's retirement income.

Fixed Income

A phrase frequently applied to retirees living on Social Security, though many retired Baby Boomers still maintain access to significant accumulated wealth.

Gen Xers

An age cohort born roughly between 1965 and 1980 that tends to be cynical, distrustful of institutions, cautious with money, and nervous about retirement.

Replacement Level

The fertility rate of 2 children per woman required for a population to maintain its size over time.

White Non-Hispanic

A U.S. demographic group projected to decrease to about 43% of the total population as a percentage, affected by an average birth rate of around 1 to 1.2 children per family.

Hispanic Population

A major U.S. ethnic group projected to grow to about 31% of the population, driven by geographical proximity, immigration, and larger average family sizes.

Asian Population

A major U.S. ethnic group projected to experience a high growth rate from 5% to 8% of the total U.S. population.