Rebecca Jennings, a senior correspondent at Vox, and Constance Grady, an author and Vox reader, dive into the fascinating dynamics of the 2024 presidential race. They discuss the surprising influence of young male voters, known as 'bros,' and their shift toward conservative candidates. Women's reactions to this political shift are also explored, highlighting some choosing to 'swear off men' as a protest. The discourse on evolving gender roles touches on how these trends echo through social media, revealing a complex, intertwined socio-political landscape.
The rise of the bro vote among young men reflects a backlash against societal changes and perceptions of a masculinity crisis.
A growing movement among young women in the U.S. is pushing for boycotting men in response to anti-woman sentiments in politics.
Deep dives
The Rise of the Bro Vote
The bro vote emerged as a significant demographic in the recent election, particularly among young men aged 18 to 29, where exit polls indicated that 49 percent favored Trump. This trend contrasts sharply with young women in the same age group, who favored Harris by a substantial margin. The discussion highlights a growing feeling among young men, who perceive themselves as left behind by societal changes that have seen women increasingly gain opportunities and educational achievements. This perceived crisis in masculinity has driven some young men towards Trump, who has effectively tapped into these grievances through his campaign strategies.
Trump's Non-Traditional Campaign Strategy
Trump's campaign deviated from traditional approaches by focusing less on conventional media and more on reaching audiences through popular influencers catering to young men. By engaging with figures from gaming and sports culture, he managed to speak directly to the so-called non-political bro vote. This strategy included casual interactions in non-political environments, which resonated with a demographic often disengaged from standard political discourse. Such a method helped solidify his appeal among younger male voters who typically wouldn't engage with election coverage.
Shift in Women's Responses to Political Climate
In response to the political landscape and a perceived regression in women's rights, a movement similar to South Korea's 4B is gaining traction among young women in the U.S. The 4B movement, advocating for women to boycott men, has emerged as a reaction to the rising anti-woman sentiments observed in political shifts and societal attitudes. Many women are expressing feelings of despondency and frustration, prompting them to consider opting out of traditional dating, marriage, and childbearing. This movement reflects a broader discontent with the current political and cultural environment, igniting discussions about women's roles and rights.
An air of musky manliness settled over the 2024 presidential campaign and brought the bros to the polls. But a second Trump term has some women swearing off men — forever.
This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.