Gen Z: The New Gen Change

Gen Z, defined by McKinsey as people born between 1996 and 2010, is often described as an outgoing generation that seeks the best possible outcome in difficult situations. Its oldest members are now approaching 30, yet they are still frequently spoken about as kids. What some people fail to recognize is that those kids are now adults.

They are adults seeking to change what previous generations could not, taking action when silence was expected, and questioning long-held political beliefs. We are not just Gen Z. We are Gen Change.

Who Belonged and Who Did Not

Looking back at old clips and documentaries of parliamentary and congressional sessions, one can clearly see a lack of representation from younger generations. Explanations for this vary, including age requirements, limited access to political institutions, and the experience traditionally expected of candidates.

As American author, political organizer, and speaker Amanda Litman stated, “It’s become clear the older generation won’t pass down their power willingly, so younger adults are going to have to take it.”

One of the surprising elements of modern politics is the growing role of younger people who want to reshape democracy. This does not necessarily mean abandoning democracy. Instead, many young people are deciding where and how to invest their civic energy based on what they believe will serve their communities best.

What the Numbers Say

Gen Z’s concerns about democratic institutions are often accompanied by continued support for democratic principles. An analysis published by Protect Democracy, using research from the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, divided young Americans into three groups based on their attitudes toward democracy.

The first group, Passive Appreciation, represents 63 percent of respondents. Its members maintain the most favorable view of democracy, with strong support for democratic principles and relatively high trust in institutions. However, their satisfaction may result in limited civic participation beyond voting.

The second group, Dismissive Detachment, represents 31 percent. Its members show lower support for democratic principles, limited civic engagement, and less confidence in their ability to create change.

The final group, Hostile Dissatisfaction, represents 7 percent. Its members value democratic principles and tend to be politically active, but they are deeply dissatisfied with the way the current system operates. They also show a greater openness to extreme political measures.

These percentages are rounded, which is why they total 101 percent. Overall, the research found broad support for democratic principles among young Americans, even as confidence in the way democracy currently functions remains low. The findings point to dissatisfaction with the system rather than a complete rejection of democracy.

What Happened?

The question is not simply whether democracy can survive a period of global change. We must also ask why young people across different countries have become dissatisfied with existing institutions. International affairs, economic conditions, political representation, and environmental concerns all play a role.

• Economic Pressure: The current economic and housing crisis has made it difficult for many younger adults to afford homes or even cover their regular housing payments. According to a Redfin-commissioned survey, 67 percent of Gen Z adults reported struggling to cover housing costs. This continuing crisis has become an important concern for younger people seeking economic change.

• Political Representation: A sense of marginalization among Gen Z adults is another possible reason for declining confidence in political institutions. Research highlighted by Johns Hopkins University found that more than half of Gen Z respondents believed their political party was not moving in the right direction. Nearly two-thirds of baby boomers said the opposite. Younger respondents also reported feeling less represented by political parties and elected leaders.

  As Scott Warren, a fellow at the SNF Agora Institute, stated, “[Young people] are becoming more cynical and frustrated. We urgently need to pay attention to these trends.” However, the researchers cautioned that their findings do not demonstrate a generational rejection of democratic norms.

• Environmental and Existential Threats: The belief that environmental and existential threats are not receiving enough attention is another major concern among young people. Research has found that many young people remain willing to participate in democracy but also feel anxious, unheard, and distrustful of politics. They frequently raise these concerns through activism, social media, and news coverage while calling for a greater sense of urgency.

Because We Belong

Politics and the desire to improve a country’s national interests do not belong only to its older generations. Experience and expertise matter, but the world continues to shift, creating opportunities for younger people to contribute their perspectives.

In the United States, Maxwell Frost, born in 1997, became the first member of Gen Z elected to Congress. He serves in the House of Representatives.

New Zealand politician Chlöe Swarbrick entered Parliament at age 23 and has focused on issues including climate change, mental health, and drug-law reform. Born in 1994, she falls just outside the Gen Z definition used in this article, but her career still reflects the broader rise of young political leadership.

Francisco Vera Manzanares is a young Colombian environmental and human rights activist. Born in 2009, he began campaigning at an early age to encourage people to protect the planet and all living beings. In 2023, UNICEF appointed him its first Youth Advocate for Environmental and Climate Action in Latin America and the Caribbean. His work continues to inspire others who want to build a better world.

Because we belong, Gen Z will continue seeking ways to make its mark. The generation’s relationship with democracy is complicated, but its frustration does not automatically mean disengagement. It can also become a demand for greater representation, accountability, and change.