The Odd Years Gen Z's Gender Divide Goes Beyond Politics
Jan 21, 2025
In this discussion, Daniel Cox, Director of the Survey Center on American Life, dives into the striking gender divide among Gen Z voters. He reveals how social media algorithms expose young men to toxic messages, influencing their political leanings towards figures like Trump. The conversation also touches on shifting attitudes toward masculinity and the implications of historical events on young people's views. Cox emphasizes the importance of empathy and civic engagement to address conflicts and foster connections in a divided generation.
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Gen Z's Political Divide
- Gen Z's political polarization, starting around 2015-2016, stems from diverging reactions to key events.
- Young women became markedly more liberal while young men leaned more Republican, influenced by Trump's election, MeToo, and Roe v. Wade.
Differing Reactions to MeToo
- Young men's reactions to MeToo varied, with some dismissing it as a "celebrity thing."
- This highlights the different impact of social and cultural events on young men versus young women.
Social Media and Female Insecurity
- Social media fuels feelings of insecurity among young women due to online harassment.
- The "bear vs. man" meme reflects this, with many women feeling safer with a bear than a strange man.