If true conservative values have a chance in America we have got to start focusing on the younger generation.
In a recent poll by the Public Religion Research Institute, striking differences in cultural and political identities among American generations have come to light, with Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2012) standing out in their liberal leanings and attitudes towards religion and sexual orientation.
They grew up with COVID, in a greatly divided country with an economy so bad that the American dream of home ownership is nearly gone for most, and many steeped in college debt for a degree that is not reaping the benefits it once did.
They have grown up in a culture that tells them anything goes and to think differently is a form of hate which leads to being bullied and cancelled.
They believe that the world is doomed because of climate change and many are reluctant to have children of their own.
It is not hard to see why they are suffering from a mental health crisis, with their top three leading causes of death, more than 76%, are from unintentional injuries, homicide and suicide.
Thus, as the study reveals, Gen Z is disenfranchised, with most having adopted progressive attitudes and beliefs.
The study, conducted from August 21 to September 15, 2023, with a sample size of 6,014 participants aged 13 to 25, has revealed that over a quarter of Gen Z Americans identify as LGBTQ.
This rate is significantly higher compared to 16% of millennials, 7% of Generation X, and only 4% of baby boomers. Such a marked increase in LGBTQ identification among the youngest generation in indicative of a profound shift in societal norms and acceptance.
Political affiliations within Gen Z also show a clear trend towards liberalism. Nearly half of this generation is inclined to identify as liberal, with 31% aligning with the Democratic Party, 30% as Independents, and only a mere 21% considering themselves Republicans.
This inclination also translates into a strong sentiment of dissatisfaction with the current, older political leadership. A notable 58% of Gen Z respondents expressed that significant national issues cannot be resolved until the older generation relinquishes power, reflecting a sense of urgency and desire for change among the young.
Religious affiliation and church attendance have also seen a decline in this generation. Only 38% of Gen Z reported attending church services, the lowest among all generations. Moreover, a third of them claimed a non-religious status, signifying a definitive move away from traditional religious practices and beliefs.
The survey’s methodological rigor is evident in its detailed demographic breakdown and error margins, which were plus or minus 1.51% for respondents aged 13 through 17 and plus or minus 1.58% for those aged 18 through 25.
The study paints a clear picture of the evolving social and political landscape in the youngest generation in the United States. If conservatives don’t start seriously finding a way to reach Gen Z any hope for our democratic republic will be lost.
