Overview

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.

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9780231213899

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Reviews

In The Politics of Gen Z, Melissa Deckman shows how Gen Z is already—and will continue—shaping the future of our democracy. Pairing original survey data and rich interviews with Gen Z activists, Deckman’s intersectional analyses complicate conventional narratives and demand that we take Gen Z women and queer Gen Zers seriously as agents of political change. Those who are seeking solutions to our political crises will be especially drawn to this innovative and ultimately optimistic work. It is a must-read for scholars, students, practitioners, and the public alike. -- Kelly Dittmar, Rutgers University Lots of people outside the ranks of Gen Z have strong views about who they are and what they supposedly think. Melissa Deckman deserves our gratitude for letting Gen Z speak for itself. Built on conversations and astute data analysis, this excellent book explodes stereotypes, breaks much new ground and will set the standard for future work on this pivotal and often misunderstood generation -- E. J. Dionne, Jr., author of <i>Code Red: How Progressives and Moderates Can Unite to Save Our Country</i> and <i>Our Divided Political Heart: The Battle for the American Idea in an Age of Discontent</i> Deckman paints a rich picture of this generation’s tremendous political potential, and especially how young women and LGBTQ Gen Zers see, practice, and shape politics in a way that’s driving progress towards our democratic ideals. It’s a must read for anyone looking to better understand and engage this generation in politics. -- Sara Guillermo, Chief Executive Officer of IGNITE National

In The Politics of Gen Z, Melissa Deckman shows how Gen Z is already—and will continue—shaping the future of our democracy. Pairing original survey data and rich interviews with Gen Z activists, Deckman’s intersectional analyses complicate conventional narratives and demand that we take Gen Z women and queer Gen Zers seriously as agents of political change. Those who are seeking solutions to our political crises will be especially drawn to this innovative and ultimately optimistic work. It is a must-read for scholars, students, practitioners, and the public alike. -- Kelly Dittmar, Rutgers University

Author Information

Melissa Deckman is the CEO of PRRI, the Public Religion Research Institute. A political scientist who studies gender, religion, and American political behavior, she was previously the Louis L. Goldstein Professor of Public Affairs and chair of the Department of Political Science at Washington College. Deckman’s books include Tea Party Women: Mama Grizzlies, Grassroots Leaders, and the Changing Face of the American Right (2016).

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