About the Study
For more than a decade, a great focus has been placed on how to better understand and work with Millennials, those born from 1982 to 1994 (Strauss & Howe, 1990). But, a new generation has emerged into young adulthood. Generation Z is comprised of those born from 1995-2010, and are characterized as being entrepreneurial, innovative, and responsible (Seemiller & Grace, 2016). Although some characteristics may look similar to the Millennial Generation, Generation Z possesses a whole new set of attributes and experiences that shape what they believe about the world and how they may engage in the U.S. political system. And, given that a large share of young people today identify as independent (Seemiller & Grace, 2019), their perceptions and behaviors may be less anticipated. With the upcoming 2020 election, we aim to uncover the perspectives of the voting-aged segment (those born 1995-2001) of those in Generation Z on politics today, including better understanding their possible voting behaviors, opinions of the political system and critical issues, political ideologies, and news consumption.
- Seemiller, C. & Grace, M. (2019). Generation Z: A century in the making. London: Routledge.
- Seemiller, C. & Grace, M. (2016). Generation Z goes to college. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
- Strauss, W. & Howe, N. (1990). Generations: The history of America’s future. New York: William Morrow.
In this study, survey participants were recruited through personal and professional networks who will be asked to share the survey information and link with prospective participants. In addition, participants were recruited through direct posting on social media sites, websites, and in emails. Subjects were asked to anonymously provide their perspectives and opinions through both forced-choice and open-ended questions in an online survey housed in Qualtrics through Wright State University. Because this study was only about a specific segment of Generation Z students (those born 1995-2001), only those who fall in this birth range were eligible for this study. There was a screening question at the beginning of the survey to determine those who met the qualifications. Once data was collected, it was analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively by both investigators.
Click here for a copy of the Wright State University IRB approval letter.
Overall Demographics
There are 34 states represented in this study with an over representation of Ohio (57.86%), based on the lead researchers’ positionality. Other states with at least 20 participants include Arizona, California, Texas, New York, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky.
88.06% identify as college students
46.16% Man; 50.67% Woman; 3.16% Transgender, Other, or Prefer not to answer
75% White; 6.53% Hispanic; 6.42% Black; 3.54% Asian; 1.88% American Indian; 5.42% Other or Prefer not to answer
Click here for the new Gen Z Voices on Voting Report!
This report was a collaborative effort between The Gen Z Hub and Ologie. A huge thank you to Ologie for the design efforts behind the report. Ologie is a branding and marketing agency that works with clients who advance the greater good. They are a team of strategic thinkers, creative problem solvers, and bold storytellers. Together, they help organizations define their purpose, convey their story, and achieve their goals through a full range of media, including print, digital, environmental, social, and video. For more information visit ologie.com.