Gen Z at a Crossroads: Politics, Protest and the Aftermath of the 2024 Election

• In Event: Voting Behavior and Electoral Dynamics I

Abstract

Gen Z, those born between 1997 and 2012, in America are thought to be the most inclusive, tolerant, accepting generation in American history (see work by Jean Twenge), and yet they were approximately split in their 2024 presidential vote between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Through about 100 interviews of Gen Z individuals conducted between 2023 and 2025, I have gained special insight into Gen Z's political opinions and opinions on protest. Specifically, many Gen Z individuals were completely turned off by both parties. Cancel culture and polarization played a role as many did not see the adults that were running for office or those who campaigned for them as leaving space for discussion, listening or alternate viewpoints. The feeling of not being heard was also evident in protest movements that Gen Z were a part of. Many felt that their voices were ignored by the Biden Administration. Finally, while some Gen Zers were decidedly against Trump, many expressed apathy or even ignorance. Now that the election is over, there seems to be more passion in the few interviews I've conducted so far than there was in the run up to the election. In this conference paper, I will present my recent research on Gen Z focusing specifically on their views on protest, politics and the 2024 election.

Author

• Gabriel Rubin, Montclair State University