Divided Generation: Young Voters Polarized by Gender Politics
The state of American politics is in flux, particularly among younger demographics. A significant gender divide has emerged, with women and men responding differently to key issues such as the perception of former President Donald Trump and the influence of the #MeToo movement. This article explores this divide and the potential factors influencing it.
Trump’s Perception Among Young Women
Former President Trump’s rapport with female voters is less than favorable. According to a recent poll, 68 percent of women believe Trump doesn’t respect women, with 24 percent saying “not much” and 44 percent asserting “not at all”. In contrast, only 31 percent of women feel that Trump respects women.
Gender Divide: A Complex Issue
Explaining why there is such a gender divide among young voters is a complex task. Jean Twenge, a psychology professor at San Diego State University and author of “Generations: The Real Differences Between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers and Silents and What They Mean for America’s Future,” suggests that changes on the political left may have driven young men away from the Democratic Party. Twenge also notes that education might factor into this divide. Young men without college degrees, including high school seniors not planning to attend a four-year college, are 30 percent more likely to identify as conservative than those planning to pursue higher education.
The Role of Feminism in Gender Political Divide
Richard Reeves, author of “Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male Is Struggling, Why It Matters and What to Do about It,” highlights that young men perceive feminism as a movement against men, or at least against masculinity. This perception has driven the political divide further. He notes that the dynamics of culture-war politics push political extremes further apart, leading to a greater divide between the left and right’s perception of gender issues.
Generation Z’s Growing Gender Divide
Interestingly, Daniel A. Cox, the director of the Survey Center on American Life at the American Enterprise Institute, notes a growing divide by gender among Generation Z. Young women are becoming increasingly liberal each year, while young men’s political views remain relatively stable. Female Gen Zers are more likely to vote, engage with political issues, and participate in social movements and protests. This divergence points to a significant event or shift in societal attitudes.
The #MeToo Movement’s Influence on Young Voters
One influential event for young women’s political development was the #MeToo movement. This movement, which saw women globally speaking out about their experiences with sexual assault and harassment, had a significant impact on Generation Z women during their formative high school and college years. On the other hand, many young men began to feel that this movement, among others, was turning society against them. This sentiment has led to a growing number of young men adopting a zero-sum view of gender equality, leading to increased polarization among young voters.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, understanding these gender dynamics among younger voters will be crucial in shaping future political strategies and discourse. This growing divide is more than just a demographic shift; it’s a reflection of the broader societal changes and movements shaping the world we live in today.
