The Tightrope Generation: A Critical ReviewKatherine SullivanThe University of Southern MississippiThe Tightrope Generation: A Critical ReviewThe Tightrope Generation (2012) ) examines the framework of today's student. From the outside, Arthur Levine and Diane Dean conducted a study on the millennial generation to offer an interpretation of the elements that define their existence. The researchers set out to “discuss the nature of their world, how it will flourish, develop, and mature in the years to come; and the demands it will impose on its citizens” (Levine & Dean, 2012, p.155). The study aimed to train current and emerging professionals who will interact and contribute to the process of their overall development. To achieve this, a range of societal, personal, and cultural topics have been addressed throughout the text, hoping to provide greater understanding in order to prepare professionals and students for successful interaction. Methodology Early in their research, Levine and Dean targeted undergraduate students from a range of higher education institutions. 26 colleges and universities, nationwide, were examined; where an inclusion of data was collected in community, private and public settings (Levine and Dean, 2012, p.207). Additionally, it was designed to represent “the diversity of higher education” in terms of “size, control, location, degree level, demographics, and religious orientation” (Levine and Dean, 2012, p. 206). This variety helped showcase the breadth and uniqueness of the crops found across the United States. Data collected in each environment also avoided bias that might exist if one region was overrepresented.Levine...... middle of paper ......htrope; several alternatives and critiques can be proposed. Levine and Dean are not members of the millennial generation. As a result, the data collected and examined in more detail by them can be evaluated in a predisposed manner. This bias is not intentional; but inevitable in any field of research, especially in qualitative methods. Additional observational themes include spirituality and the reality of rising college costs that could add supporting evidence to the millennial generation framework. Spirituality was mentioned in a small part of the text, but the effectiveness of its influence on student development is a major aspect. This era of collegial members uses spirituality to help them define their place in the world. Personally, the act of spiritual belief provides a sense of comfort in a changing society. Observing this theme would only reinforce