Generation Z’s Perspectives…And Why the Presidential Candidates Should Care
Generation Z is the youth of today. By the end of 2016, they will account for all 6 to 21 year-olds. As we can all imagine, youth care about making friends, getting picked for sports teams, and the many other timeless issues that every generation faces merely by being young. But, each generation is defined by the worldviews of those in it. And Gen Zers are no different. Because they will vote in their first presidential election this November, their perspectives will have an opportunity to fundamentally shape the political landscape. Who Generation Z is and what they care about should be of paramount importance to the candidates. So, how might Generation Z’s perspectives relate to key election issues and ultimately influence their voting?
Education
Gen Zers are highly concerned about issues related to education. This is no surprise given that nearly all K-12 students and many college students belong to Generation Z. They have been the recipients of various education policies handed down at the federal and state levels. They have been trying not to be the child left behind or the one who couldn’t race to the top. Because they are insiders in our education system, they have a vantage point that political candidates couldn’t possibly experience for themselves. From their experience, Gen Zers believe that the quality of education is declining, access to a good education is limited to certain populations, and ultimately the K-12 system is failing kids. In addition, more than 80% are concerned about the rising cost of college tuition. They overwhelmingly believe that higher education is becoming financially out of reach even for middle-income families. Some even question the benefits of getting a college degree when considering the debt they would accumulate in doing so. Given their concerns around access and quality of education, we can likely expect that they would support enhanced funding for K-12, increased access to quality educational experiences for all youth, and tuition-free higher education.
Employment
As kids, many Gen Zers watched hard-working and talented people around them get laid off from their jobs. As they enter young adulthood and have to consider their own employment opportunities, they know that getting and keeping a job is not a guarantee. This looming unemployment possibility does create a great deal of concern for them, especially for those investing inordinate amounts of money to earn a college degree specifically to get a job after graduation. But, their concern is not related strictly to unemployment numbers as tends to be the focus when discussing employment in America. Gen Zers are passionate, social-change minded individuals who plan to change the world through their vocations. So, attaining any job, even one that pays well, is not the American Dream for them. But, don’t think of them as being entitled to get the perfect job after college graduation; think of them as focused, passionate, and dedicated to spending their careers doing something they love. Although some may find their passions fulfilled by working for an existing organization or company, many are excited about the opportunity for entrepreneurship. They live in a freelance economy when you can be an Uber driver using your own car or an artist by showcasing your wares on Etsy. Gen Zers crave entrepreneurial training programs, not just for those going into “business.” And given their desire to work for themselves someday, they would likely support initiatives that help people start and run small businesses.
Racial Equality
Most Gen Zers lean left on social issues, and they want to see more equality for people and not less. They want their politicians to remove laws that restrict some groups from receiving equal access, as well as support laws that protect underrepresented groups. They believe that ending discrimination is critical and will do what it takes to move towards a more equal and equitable society. One of their largest social concerns is racism. Many have expressed astonishment as to why there are obstacles and barriers to racial equality that still exist today. Being the most racially diverse generation in history and having the most diverse social circles, acts of racism hit close to home for all Generation Z students. A word of advice for candidates: Stop the racist rhetoric. This is a sure fire way to get Generation Z to write off your candidacy.
Financial Security
Generation Z is highly concerned about financial security, not just for themselves, but for everyone. They recognize the growing gap between the haves and have nots, and they are immensely troubled by poverty. Their concerns stem from their overall anxiety with the economy. They want to ensure people today are financially secure while at the same time making sure that future generations are taken care of. With their moderate to conservative leanings on financial issues and their desire to ensure that everyone prospers, they will likely support balancing the budget, reducing the deficit, while still ensuring funding for education, providing social programs, and increasing access to affordable healthcare.
War
Gen Zers have spent their lifetimes watching news coverage, live feeds, and video clips of war and terrorism. And, although they recognize that there is much to fear, we found that more than half of Gen Zers believe the U.S. is involved in too many global conflicts and that the financial and human costs are too much to bear in trying to be the world’s police. Many feel there are more peaceful ways to deal with conflict than military intervention. Although we know that terrorism is complex and that on the face of it, most politicians, if not all, would rather engage in peacemaking than military intervention, the reality is that using words and phrases like “bombing,” “boots on the ground,” “air strikes,” “wipe out,” and “eradicate” when referring to issues in the Middle East will likely turn off many members of Generation Z. They have seen the results of more than a decade of military intervention and want political candidates to offer solutions to address terrorism that preserve financial costs and human life.
Personal Freedom
Of all the issues that could be on the forefront of Generation Z voters, some might find it interesting that they are concerned about limitations on personal freedom. But, our research found that this is a concern for more than 75% of them. Gen Zers want to limit what they see as government overreach. But, their interest in reducing government regulation only goes to a point. They believe that people have the right to their own choices until they encroach on or harm others, especially those who belong to underrepresented groups. Thus, they may advocate for gun ownership while at the same time support workplace protections for transgender employees. Gen Zers want candidates who can balance government regulation to ensure individual freedom but not at the expense of limiting the freedom of others.
Immigration
Gen Zers as a whole are not really interested in issues related to immigration, unless they are undocumented or know someone who is. So, it would not be surprising if those in Generation Z eligible to vote appear disconnected from the ongoing immigration debate. This is less about their concern for increasing access and expanding citizenship opportunities, which a majority of them support, but more about their fatigue with this discussion and inaction by politicians in making any real difference. Most want to stop talking about building walls and deportation and have their elected officials create a system that offers a realistic path to citizenship.
Legalization of Marijuana
Being youth, one could imagine that Generation Z would be all about legalizing marijuana. Interestingly, this is a concern for only very few of them. So, where a candidate stands on this issue will likely not be a deal-breaker for Gen Z voters.
LGBT Rights
Gen Zers, even across party lines, overwhelmingly support same sex marriage, and nearly three-quarters believe that transgender people should have equal rights. This is a personal issue for Generation Z as many of them have friends or family members who are LGBT, and some identify as LGBT themselves. So, the more candidates point out their lack of support for LGBT issues, the more they potentially isolate themselves from a majority of this niche of the electorate.
Climate Change
Research on Generation Z points to different findings related to their concerns on climate change. On the one hand, some feel passionately that climate change is the biggest concern facing society and that addressing it should be a priority for the government. However, other research points to only some Gen Zers being concerned. So, those who are concerned appear to be very concerned, whereas those who are not seem to be disconnected from the issue altogether. For candidates, this could be an important distinguisher. Advocating for initiatives to address climate change will certainly appeal to those Gen Zers who care deeply about this issue while likely having little to no impact on those who don’t. And, denying the existence of climate change or not focusing on how to address it may contrast the views of a segment of Generation Z who deeply cares about the environment.
Generation Z’s unique political perspectives do not necessarily align them readily with one political party. If they resonate more with social issues, they may vote for a Democrat, whereas if they resonate more with economic issues, they may vote for a Republican. The reality, though, is that they will likely be socially left-leaning Independents who vote simply for the issues, not the parties. So, move over Millennials! Generation Z is our new wave of voters, and their issues may make or break the election. We’ll just have to wait and see.
Read more in Generation Z Goes to College, available on Amazon and check out www.genzgoestocollege.com for more information.
Originally published at https://www.linkedin.com.
