America has a deep generational divide
Image: Investopedia
These days, America feels more divided than Voldemort’s soul after making all those Horcruxes.
And, while the differences in opinion are often attributed to the red-blue political divide, recent polling data also shows a large generational divide, with prominent disagreements between younger and older Americans across a wide range of key topics:
- Values: Gen Z Americans are less than half as likely as Baby Boomers to say patriotism, religion, or having children are "very important" to them. And, while 66% of Baby Boomers say America is the world’s best place to live, only 33% of Gen Z agrees.
- Happiness: Americans under 30 ranked 62nd among all countries in the latest World Happiness Report, an annual self-reported global survey. On the flip side, Americans aged 60+ ranked 10th.
- Domestic policy: US adults under 35 are significantly more likely to favor government action on climate change and defense budget cuts compared to those aged 65+, while the reverse is true for supporting border security.
- Political affiliation: Millennials and Gen Z are both significantly more likely to consider themselves political independents (52%) compared to Baby Boomers (33%).
- Economics: 52% of US adults under 35 are dissatisfied with their personal financial situation, compared to 33% of those aged 65+. Younger Americans are also more likely to be economically pessimistic, and have less favorable views on capitalism.
Bottom line: Understanding the differences of opinion between generations can be essential to running a successful organization, trying to sell a product – or simply navigating a controversial discussion in the workplace or at home.
📊 Flash poll: In your experience, how has America’s generational divide in opinions changed over the past decade, if at all?
See a 360° view of what media pundits are saying →
Sprinkles from the Left
- Some commentators argue that the growing generational divide can largely be blamed on culture war narratives and ‘anti-woke’ discourse, which are effectively a way to dismiss the grievances of the young without having to address them.
- Others contend that the generational gap will likely continue to persist, as it has throughout history, but both sides can come to a closer understanding through realistic expectations and empathy for each other.
- “The anti-woke moral panic and the generational divide” –Keir Milburn, New Economics Foundation
- “Which generation had it worse? Let’s stop arguing about it.” –Allison Schrager, Portland Press Herald
- “Generational Divides: Ask What the Boomers Can Do for Your Country” –Lionel Laurent, Bloomberg
Sprinkles from the Right
- Some commentators argue that older Republicans should understand that younger GOP members have different principles that attract them to conservatism, including declining community and radical individualism in America, as well as opposition to wokeness.
- Others contend that the widening political generation gap can be partially assuaged by educating students about proper media literacy and understanding trustworthy sources, given that young folks increasingly turn to social media for their news, which isn’t always reliable.
- “Dear Boomers: Here's What Gen Z Conservatives Want You To Know” –Juan P. Villasmil, Newsweek
- “The Widening Political Generation Gap” –Jonathan L. Wharton, CT News Junkie
- “The Distrustful Generation” –WSJ Future View
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