Politics of Gen Z: How the Youngest Voters Will Shape Our Democracy [Mīkstie vāki]

""The last ten years have seen upheaval, conservative political retrenchment in America, and violence, and in answer to these, progressive protests. Now more than ever, this activism is spearheaded by the nation's youngest citizens, Generation Z. Among other events, Donald Trump's presidency, regressive anti-transgender legislation, the Dobbs decision, the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting, and the murder of George Floyd have catalyzed the youth, especially the women and LGBTQ members of Gen Z, to engagein politics in significantly higher levels than young men or than almost any generation before them. Mixing quantitative and qualitative data-including more than a hundred interviews with Gen Z political activists and several nationally representative surveys-political scientist Melissa Deckman explores the political revolution happening with America's youngest voters. To Gen Z, gender is inextricably linked to politics, and their refusal to sit back passively while their rights are threatened will help safeguard our democracy and promote more progressive political change in the years ahead. Deckman takes the reader inside the activist causes to preserve abortion rights, recognize same-sex marriage, end school shootings and police violence, and stem climate change, as Gen Z fight for a more just, more inclusive, and healthier country.""--

This book tells the story of Gen Z’s growing political participation—and why it is poised to drive U.S. politics leftward.

Progressive activism today is increasingly spearheaded by the nation’s youngest voters. Gen Z—those born between 1997 and 2012—has come of age in a decade of upheavals. They have witnessed the election of Donald Trump, the murder of George Floyd, and the Dobbs Supreme Court decision, and they have lived under the constant threats of mass shootings and climate change. In response, left-leaning Zoomers, particularly women and LGBTQ people, have banded together to take action.

This book tells the story of Gen Z’s growing political participation—and why it is poised to drive U.S. politics leftward. Bringing together original data and compelling narrative—including nearly one hundred interviews with Gen Z activists and several national surveys—political scientist Melissa Deckman explores the world of youth-led progressive organizing, highlighting the crucial importance of gender and sexuality. She reveals why women and LGBTQ Zoomers are participating in politics at higher levels than their straight male peers, creating a historic “reverse gender gap.” Deckman takes readers inside Gen Z’s fight for a more inclusive and just future, sharing stories of their efforts to defend reproductive rights, prevent gun violence, stem climate change, and win political office. A deep dive into the politics of Gen Z, this book sheds new light on how young voters view politics and why their commitment to progressive values may transform the country in the years ahead.