The politicalization of Gen Z’s gender gap requires immediate resolution.
TL/DR –
The article discusses a growing ideological gap within Generation Z, particularly between genders, in the United States. The author identifies that 40% of young women identify as liberal, compared to 25% of young men, and that this divide is beginning to affect relationships, with 70% of college Democrats unwilling to date a Republican and 59% of women unwilling to date someone with opposing political views. The article suggests that this division is due to differing attitudes towards changing gender norms and recent societal shifts, and argues that the solution is more listening and less judgement.
Gen Z faces a major societal problem: division. This generation, born from 1997 to 2012, is split along gender lines politically. With 40% of young women identifying as liberal versus 25% of male peers, we face a widening ideological divide that affects our relationships.
Gen Z’s differences impact how we interact with each other
This gender divide in political beliefs can cause a social hostility that discourages diverse thought and cross-party interactions.
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The division even extends to personal relationships, with over 70% of college Democrats refusing to date a Republican, and 37% wouldn’t be friends with one. This division is more pronounced among women, with 59% refusing to date someone who holds opposing political beliefs.
Why is Gen Z so divided?
The divide among Gen Z is prominent with young women leading the push towards left-wing politics. Social media activism, especially after the #MeToo movement, and reactions to Donald Trump’s presidency and the overturning of Roe v. Wade are major factors influencing this shift. Meanwhile, young men are reacting to these changes, driven by influencers promoting hypermasculinity and support for Trump.
It’s up to us to fix this difference and find ways to get along
Although the impact of this political rift on voting patterns in elections is debatable, the impact on personal relationships is undeniable. The future of Gen Z’s relationships, both platonic and romantic, is at risk. It’s vital for us to shift our thinking and understand that these issues impact us both. Our best approach is to listen, argue when necessary, finding common ground, and avoid being judgmental.
Dace Potas is an Opinion fellow for USA TODAY. He is a graduate from DePaul University with a degree in political science and president of the Lone Conservative, the largest conservative student-run publication in the country.
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