Shadow generation

A shadow generation is everyone born during a time when there are no current generational parents . These people are considered outside of any generation, and as suffer many disadvantages in a society where many social and civic functions are predicated upon belonging to a generation.
Entering a shadow generation is considered a national disaster.
A shadow generation ends with the inauguration of new generational parents, chosen from among the previous generation. If the previous generation ended early, it may be years before any members come of age and can take on the role of parent to the next legitimate generation.