iGen, also known as Gen Z, is already a complex, thoughtful generation that in some cases looks a lot like its Millennial predecessors and in other cases looks very different. This generation is soon to become the fastest-growing generation in the workforce, marketplace, and in adult society, and are already the super majority in our traditional higher education system.
It’s no surprise then, that iGen also seems to be well versed in politics, government, and the economy already. Even though the majority of the generation has yet to turn eighteen, they have been paying attention. Whether they get their news through Twitter or other social media outlets (has there ever been a more Tweet-worthy election cycle?), or discuss the issues with their parents around the dinner table, iGen has already been forming opinions.
Very little is known about this generation and even less is known about their political and civic attitudes, so in attempts to gain a deeper understanding of this fascinating generation, The Center for Generational Kinetics led a landmark study on iGen’s Political and Civic Outlook. The results from the study provide a never-before-seen snapshot of the next generation of American citizens.
iGen may be discussing some of these things in their high school government classes, but this critical data-driven “sneak peek” at these attitudes before they show themselves at the voting booth or in the workforce could be game-changing for elected and soon-to-be-elected officials, as well as employers and marketers.
Some of the most surprising findings from the study include:
- Nearly half of iGen believe that voting is important, even though most of them are not of voting age yet
- Only 26% of iGen has trust in elected officials…which is still higher than all other generations!
- Less than a quarter of iGen feel that the U.S. is heading in a positive direction, and 38% feel that the U.S. is not headed in the right direction
- 78% of iGen feel that the American Dream is attainable
We’re only beginning to feel the impact of iGen, but we can already see early indications of future behavior in iGen’s perceptions about current issues like illegal immigration and health care, as well as its views about the importance of civic behaviors such as voting. This is an invaluable opportunity to learn what our youngest citizens think about the directions our country and economy are currently headed, as well as a great chance to assess how we ourselves feel about these issues.
Read all the surprising findings from our national study on iGen and politics here.
