Age and American Politics Richard Skinner

Age and American Politics Differences by age are muted, although they were much stronger than usual in 2008. % voting Obama, 2008 presidential elections 18-29: 66% 30-44: 52% 45-59: 50% 60+: 45%

Seniors vs. Obamacare Older Americans are much more opposed to the Affordable Care Act: (those having a “somewhat” or “very” unfavorable view of the legislation) Over 65: 49% Under 65: 37% (Kaiser Foundation poll, September 2010)

Age and American Politics “The cohort effect.” Citizens are shaped by the times in which they come of age. They form their party loyalties and basic values early in life.

“The Cohort Effect”: Party

“The Cohort Effect”: The Millennials “The Millennial Generation,” born in the 1980s and 1990s, has emerged as the most Democratic cohort since the New Deal. This may reflect their coming of age under a Democratic president popular with young people (Bill Clinton) and a Republican president who became unpopular with most voters (George W. Bush). They voted 2-to-1 for Obama in 2008 and 60% Democratic in 2006, and were the only age group to back Kerry in 2004.

“The Cohort Effect”: Interracial Relationships Interracial marriage was illegal in many states until 1967. As late as the late 1980s, less than half of whites thought interracial dating was acceptable. Older whites continue to be more skeptical of interracial marriage and dating.

“The Cohort Effect”: Interracial Relationships “I think it’s all right for whites and blacks to date each another.” In 1987, 48% agreed, in 2007, 83% did. Percentage agreeing, by age: 60+: 65% 40-60: 84% 30-40: 87% Under 30: 94% (Pew poll, April 2007). This shift appears to be due both to generational replacement and a period effect.

“The Cohort Effect”: Gay Rights Until 1973, the American Psychiatric Association classified homosexuality as a mental disorder. As late as the 1980s, most Americans still held negative views of gays. For example, about one-half thought AIDS was God’s punishment, and believed that schools should have the right to fire gay schoolteachers. By 2007, only about 1-in-4 Americans held these views.

“The Cohort Effect”: Gay Marriage Older voters hold more conservative views of homosexuality. Percentage supporting gay marriage (Pew poll, October 2010): 18-29: 53% 30-49: 46% 50-64: 38% 65+: 28%

“The Cohort Effect”: Gay Rights Older people are also more likely to believe that homosexuality is “just wrong,” to think that it is the result of conscious choice, and to believe that schools should have the right to fire gay schoolteachers. They are less likely to have personal experience with gay people. Nevertheless, even older Americans now hold more tolerant views than they did in their youth.

“The Cohort Effect”: Gender Roles In the 1960s, most American men and women held traditional ideas about gender roles. These attitudes underwent dramatic change in the 1970s and 1980s. Change has continued, In 1987, only 29% “completely disagreed” with the statement that women should return to traditional roles. By 2007, 51% did.

“The Cohort Effect”: Gender Roles Older voters hold more traditional views of gender roles. Percentage “completely” opposing a return to traditional roles for women (Pew poll, March 2007): 18-29: 63% 30-49: 51% 50-64: 52% 65+: 38%

Age and Political Participation Age is closely tied to voter turnout & political participation. Voter turnout is especially low among those under 30.

Age and Political Participation As people get older, they acquire more experience in political activism. They develop clearer views on issues, including a stronger sense of party identification. Political participation peaks in the 50s, 60s and early 70s. It begins to decline after 75, due to poor health, social isolation, and widowhood.

Age and Political Participation Affluent seniors retain many of the resources they possessed in their younger days (education, income, verbal skills, social connections) plus a new one: free time.

Age and Political Participation Voting, by age group, in 2008: 18-24: 48.5% 25-44: 60.0% 35-44: 64.0% 45-64: 69.2% 65-75: 72.4% 75+: 67.8% Source: “Voting and Registration in the Election of November 2008,” U.S. Bureau of the Census.

Age and Political Participation Citizens under 30 are especially unlikely to participate in politics. They are less likely to find politics interesting, and to have strong views on issues.

Age and Political Participation Young people move frequently. So they lack community ties that might encourage political involvement.

Age and Political Participation As people enter their 30s, they marry, have children, get steady jobs, and buy homes. As people put down roots, they become more active in their community. They develop an interest in politics. They begin to vote.