The Impact of Gen Z: Women and LGBTQ+ Members are Politically Engaged and Transforming American Culture

The upcoming 2024 election is set to be influenced by a powerful force – Gen Z. According to a new book by Melissa Deckman, CEO of the Public Religion Research Institute, Gen Z, which includes individuals born between 1997 and 2012, is poised to have a transformative impact on American culture and politics.

Deckman’s book, “The Politics of Gen Z: How the Youngest Voters Will Shape Our Democracy,” highlights how this generation, the most racially and ethnically diverse in U.S. history, is politically engaged and leaning leftward. With an estimated 40.8 million Gen Zers eligible to vote in 2024, they represent a significant portion of the electorate.

The book reveals that Gen Z’s political views have been shaped by a decade of upheaval, including events like school shootings, the police killing of George Floyd, and the #MeToo movement. Gen Z women and LGBTQ+ members are particularly active in politics, with a historic reverse gender gap in political participation observed during the Trump administration.

Furthermore, Gen Z is less likely to identify as white Christians and more likely to be religiously unaffiliated compared to older generations. This generation is pushing for a more inclusive democracy that represents everyone, with a strong desire for generational change.

Vice President Kamala Harris is notably more popular among Gen Z voters than President Biden, indicating a potential shift in political preferences. The book serves as a warning for the Republican Party, which remains largely white and evangelical, as Gen Z’s views and values differ significantly from older generations.

As the 2024 election approaches, the influence of Gen Z on American politics is undeniable. Their engagement, diversity, and progressive values are set to shape the future of the country, making them a force to be reckoned with at the polls.