WP2

Part 1

Fahmy, Eldin. Young Citizens : Young People’s Involvement in Politics and Decision Making. Ashgate, 2006.

This book analyzes youth political involvement in early 2000s Britain, focusing on the decline in engagement during this period. Fahmy attributes this to a broader shift in Western values, contrasting earlier generations, who were seen as politically radical, with today's youth, viewed as apathetic and self-interested. He identifies barriers to participation and the underrepresentation of youth as key contributors to this political disengagement. While the book presents valuable insights into youth behavior, its focus on British politics and the now-dated time frame limit its relevance in a global, contemporary context.

Fisher, Patrick. The Generational Gap in American Politics. 1st ed., vol. 29, Routledge, 2022, https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003268727. 

Friedman, Sally, and David Schultz. Generational Politics in the United States : From the Silents to Gen Z and Beyond. 1st ed., University of Michigan Press, 2024.

This novel provides an in-depth examination of the political distinctions across generations, focusing on Gen Z’s notably high voter turnout compared to other generations. It explores the key factors driving this engagement, attributing it to formative experiences such as Donald Trump's presidency, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the rise in partisan hostility. The book contextualizes these events, showing how historical circumstances shape each generation's political outlook. While this analysis captures generational influences, it tends to oversimplify individual political identities that may deviate from these trends. 

Furlong, Andy, and Fred Cartmel. Young People and Social Change: New Perspectives. 2nd ed., McGraw-Hill/Open University Press, 2007. 

“Generation Gap Translates to Different Political Priorities.” PBS, Public Broadcasting Service, 1 Mar. 2016, www.pbs.org/video/generation-gap-translates-to-different-political-priorities-1464134559/. 

This video features a mother and daughter discussing their differing views on Democratic candidates during the 2016 election, highlighting the generational gap in political priorities. It provides a direct comparison between Baby Boomers and Gen Z by examining their values and political engagement. This interview-style source offers insight into their stance on healthcare, climate change, and racial justice. The daughter is a college student who supports Bernie Sanders while the mom supports Hillary Clinton. While many of their values align, they express opinions on the candidate's policies through a different lens. This source offers a balanced presentation of perspectives on similar issues across generations in a direct format. 

Hurrelmann, K., & Albrecht, E.. Gen Z: Between Climate Crisis and Coronavirus Pandemic. 1st ed., Routledge, 2021, https://doi-org.libproxy1.usc.edu/10.4324/9781003128700. 

This book explores how Gen Z’s activism is driven by the obstacles they have faced and positions them to effect real change. Hurrelmann discusses the growing distrust and disillusionment young people feel toward politicians, leading them to take action themselves. The book highlights climate change as the central issue motivating this generation of changemakers. Greta Thunberg’s role in leading the global climate movement is cited as a key influence on youth activism. While the book provides a thorough analysis of Gen Z’s behavioral patterns, the research is focused on German politics, limiting its relevance on a global scale. 

Kruse, Lisa M., et al. “Social Media as a Public Sphere? Politics on Social Media.” Sociological Quarterly, vol. 59, no. 1, 2018, pp. 62–84, https://doi.org/10.1080/00380253.2017.1383143. 

Mahapatra, G. P., Bhullar, N., & Gupta, P.. “Gen Z: An Emerging Phenomenon.” NHRD Network Journal, vol. 15, no. 2, 2022, pp. 246-256, https://doi-org.libproxy2.usc.edu/10.1177/26314541221077137. 

This article focuses on the distinct generational gaps and patterns across Baby Boomers, Gen X, Gen Y, and Gen Z specifically in the workplace. It analyzes how each generation’s work style is shaped by key historical events, particularly the impact of the pandemic on the economic opportunities and social behaviors of younger generations. Research indicates that Gen Z values the quality of work, transparency, and well-being in the workplace. Mahapatra also explores how these varying attitudes co-exist and align in the workplace. Although this analysis does not focus on political behavior, it provides valuable insights into behavioral influences and cross-generational interactions. 

Marquart, Franziska, et al. “Following Politicians on Social Media: Effects for Political Information, Peer Communication, and Youth Engagement.” Media and Communication (Lisboa), vol. 8, no. 2, 2020, pp. 196–207, https://doi.org/10.17645/mac.v8i2.2764. 

The article examines the impact of following politicians on social platforms has on youth engagement, information consumption, and peer communication. It examines how this interactivity and transparency has reshaped young people’s relationship with politics by portraying themselves as “one of us.” The article highlights concerns regarding the questionable accuracy of information across platforms. Offering fresh insights into the evolving media landscape, the article examines how social media bypasses traditional media's influence. This analysis of surveys and focus groups offers a timely look at the evolving role of politicians online and its implications for young voters. 

McDonald, Jared, and Melissa Deckman. “New Voters, New Attitudes: How Gen Z Americans Rate Candidates with Respect to Generation, Gender, and Race.” Politics, Groups & Identities, vol. 11, no. 2, 2023, pp. 345–65, https://doi.org/10.1080/21565503.2021.1962372. 

“Teenagers on What Has Shaped Their Political Beliefs and Values.” The New York Times, 4 Oct. 2024, www.nytimes.com/2024/10/03/learning/teenagers-on-what-has-shaped-their-political-beliefs-and-values.html. 

This article explores the reasoning behind the political identities of American teens, based on a survey conducted by The New York Times ahead of the 2024 election. The survey identified several key factors of influence including family, identity, world events, and the political climate. The article integrates insights from a variety of backgrounds and values providing a comprehensive understanding of the factors most influencing today’s youth. It excels at balancing individual student viewpoints with broader key takeaways, offering a well-rounded analysis of the political landscape today.

Parker, Kim. “Generation Z Looks a Lot like Millennials on Key Social and Political Issues.” Pew Research Center, 17 Jan. 2019, www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2019/01/17/generation-z-looks-a-lot-like-millennials-on-key-social-and-political-issues/. 

This source offers a comparative analysis of where different generations stand on key social and political issues with a focus on Gen Z and Millennials. It provides data on their stances regarding topics like climate change, racial injustice, and government power highlighting the progressive views of these younger generations. The study also indicates that, unlike the Democratic party, there are starker generational divides within the Republican party on several issues. While it effectively presents statistical insights on various topics, it falls short of offering deeper explanations for these generational differences.

Parker, Kim. “On the Cusp of Adulthood and Facing an Uncertain Future: What We Know about Gen Z so Far.” Pew Research Center, 14 May 2020, www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2020/05/14/on-the-cusp-of-adulthood-and-facing-an-uncertain-future-what-we-know-about-gen-z-so-far/. 

This source provides an overview of Gen Z’s demographics, political views, and the obstacles they’ve faced. It educates readers about this emerging generation by exploring key factors that shape their beliefs. Kim highlights the ethnic and racial diversity of this generation and notes the influences of digitalization on their beliefs. This, the pandemic, and job layoffs are all factors that have shaped this generation’s political outlook. While Gen Z’s political stance mirrors that of Millennials, they notably have the lowest approval rate of Trump. Although Kim draws extensively from surveys, the article can feel data-heavy and lacks a deeper exploration of the implications of this data.

Parut, Monica. Social Media in Politics: Case Studies on the Political Power of Social Media. vol. 13, Springer International Publishing, 2014, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-04666-2. 

Rice, Laurie L., and Kenneth W. Moffett. The Political Voices of Generation Z. Routledge, 2022.

This book explores the political attitudes and engagement of Gen Z highlighting key factors that have fueled their demand for change. The authors argue that witnessing a lack of meaningful action following events like the murder of George Floyd and school shootings has led to a deep distrust in older generations to effect change. The article examines how Gen Z has been empowered through tools like social media to organize large-scale movements and raise awareness of critical issues. This source is particularly relevant as it addresses current issues contributing to Gen Z’s distinct political identity such as gun violence, sexual harassment, and immigration policies. 

Richardson, Glenn W. Social Media and Politics : A New Way to Participate in the Political Process. vol. 2, Praeger, 2017. 

This book examines how social media has dramatically altered the landscape of political engagement. Platforms like Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook have transformed traditional media and political communication by democratizing information and increasing public involvement. Richardson examines how these tools actively influence public opinion by facilitating connectivity and the flow of information. These platforms are spaces that provide structural support and networks to achieve social change. The book highlights social media’s power to mobilize voters but fails to underscore the possible dangers. 

Schill, Dan, and John Allen Hendricks. Social Media Politics : Digital Discord in the 2020 Presidential Election. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, 2024, https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003409427. 

Slavtcheva-Petkova, Vera. Young People, Media and Politics in the Digital Age. Routledge, 2024, https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003201632. 

Twenge, Jean M., et al. “Generational Differences in Young Adults’ Life Goals, Concern for Others, and Civic Orientation, 1966-2009.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, vol. 102, no. 5, 2012, pp. 1045–62, https://doi.org/10.1037/a0027408. 

Zeng, Jing, and Crystal Abidin. “‘#okboomer, time to meet the zoomers’: Studying the memefication of intergenerational politics on TikTok.” Information, Communication & Society, vol. 24, no. 16, 2021, pp. 2459–2481, https://doi.org/10.1080/1369118x.2021.1961007. 

This article explores how intergenerational politics are expressed through memes on TikTok, focusing on the #OkBoomer meme as a lens into Gen Z's political expression. Zeng portrays meme culture within Gen Z as a form of everyday politics framed in personal and relatable ways. The #OkBoomer meme captures and communicates Gen Z’s discursive activism and critiques of older generations. Though often dismissed, the article argues that political memes serve as important tools to stimulate political discussion. 

Part 2

Engaging with the discourse surrounding the generational gap in politics has deepened my understanding of the complexities embedded within this topic. The diverse range of texts I explored from different parts of the world provided a holistic understanding of the issue on a global scale. These texts enhanced my understanding of the distinguishing factors and significant historical events that shape each generation and therefore their values. 

I explored texts outside of Gen Z to gain a greater context of the evolution of youth behavior and engagement over the past 50 years. While there has been a history of radical behavior among the youth, I was surprised to learn that 30-40 years ago, there was a period when society was concerned about the degree of disengagement among youth voters. Honing in on the behavioral patterns specific to each generation in their youth allowed me to identify patterns and draw parallels across generations. This valuable insight helped not only contextualize the history of youth engagement but also identify tactics for appealing to these demographics. 

Across these texts, it is evident that Gen Z's role within the political landscape is especially distinct due to a culmination of different factors. I found that delving into the concrete statistics of Gen Z’s demographic and identity as a generation—including our status as the most ethnically and racially diverse, digital natives, and the most educated—provided a clear explanation for our political values and engagement. As a topic that has always interested me, I was eager to explore how these differences manifest in our political system and involvement. Over the past five years, we have witnessed Gen Z lead social movements across the globe demanding action regarding gun policies, racial injustice, and climate change. These texts accredit several key factors that have dramatically shaped Gen Z such as the pandemic, Donald Trump, and partisan hostility. The readings further examine why Gen Z is frustrated with the lack of action by older generations, feeling compelled to step up as a result. As a young voter who has lived through these experiences and embraces social change, it was interesting to read an expert’s analysis of these feelings and behaviors. This is the kind of clarity I hope to offer others outside of our generation. 

As we approach the 2024 election, this topic is especially relevant, with a large increase in Gen Z voters being of age. Young voters are eager to voice their political outlook, especially with the looming threat on key issues like abortion rights and immigration policies. Since this topic is actively occurring, these texts fail to address the current events that continue to demonstrate Gen Z’s influence on the political sphere. This inspires me to approach this project by utilizing the knowledge I have gained from these studies and applying this analysis to current events. 

Despite there being similarities across generations, Gen Z’s involvement continues to stand out due to our interconnectivity in the digital age. I recognized the major influence of this phenomenon on Gen Z political engagement and therefore explored texts specifically focused on the role of social media in politics. While there was limited information available regarding this emerging topic, the existing sources offered a direct analysis of how tools like Twitter and TikTok are reconstructing politics and campaigning. A specific emphasis was placed on Trump’s use of Twitter in the 2016 and 2020 elections. While social media enables direct communication and engagement between politicians and citizens, one source cited that there may be unknown consequences that arise from this broken barrier. 

The evident role social media plays in influencing Gen Z’s political engagement compels me to highlight the power of this tool in my writing. As an evolving topic of interest, I am interested in exploring how these behaviors are manifesting in the 2024 election. Throughout the election cycle, we have witnessed Kamala Harris leverage untraditional forms of media to connect with Gen Z voters such as leaning into trends, TikTok meme culture, and speaking on female podcasts. 

 Older generations tend to have misconceptions about Gen Z regarding work ethic, respect, and loyalty. This inspires me to debunk these myths by framing my writing in a way that aims to explain the positive influential power of Gen Z. I intend to educate older generations on the power of social media by helping decode the trends of online culture. I feel it is important to engage these audiences in the conversations happening on social media as it is evidently the future of politics. I have yet to determine the most suitable genre for communicating this objective, as I aim to balance the innovative aspects of social media with a comprehensive approach that resonates with older generations. I am initially drawn to creating some form of a how-to guide for understanding meme culture and the power of social media in the context of Gen Z political engagement. Examining the utilization of social media in politics will help to bridge this generational gap while also highlighting the positive assets of Gen Z’s political engagement.