Generation Next: Citizenship & The Millennials Molly W. Andolina, Ph.D. DePaul University

Tonight’s Talk Introduction & Framework –Studying generations Who is Gen Y? What are their Civic Attitudes? How are they involved? Predictions for 2010

Life Cycle vs. Generation Young people today are different from older people in some ways. –This could be because they are young (lifecycle explanation). –This could be because they are a different generation. Young people today are different from previous youth cohorts.

What Makes a Generation? Key Events The “Zeitgeist” – the “Spirit of the Times” The Impressionable Years

Generational Divisions GenY (Millennials) cohort: ages 33 & under Born (?) GenX cohort: ages Born Baby Boomer cohort: age Born Dutiful/Silent cohort: age 65+ Born before 1946

Key Events & Zeitgeists Silent Gen: Depression; WWII; Cold War; FDR, Truman and DDE Presidencies Boomers: Vietnam War; Civil Rights Movement; JFK, MLK & RFK Assassinations; Counter culture Gen X: Iran Hostage Crisis; stagflation; Reagan presidency; Iran-Contra Scandal; Rise of congressional Republicans; AIDS crisis Millennials: 1990s boom (and small bust); Clinton presidency; GW Bush presidency; Iraq War; technological transformation

Is there REALLY a “Generation Y”? Probably, but we won’t know it for sure for a while Probably, but only in certain ways and not in others Probably, but we should not over- generalize, even about characteristics that do show generational differences

Data Sources National Civic Engagement Study Pew Research Center Higher Education Research Institute Harvard Institute of Politics Allegheny College –Varying definitions of “Generation Y” –Various years

Who are these young people?

Changing Demographics Among Year Olds

Marital Status of year olds

Sent Text Message Past 24 Hours

Millennials have a Strong Generational Identification

The Civic and Political Attitudes of Generation Y

All Cohorts Have Similar Views of the Political System All Cohorts Have Similar Views of the Political System It favors some over others It’s filled with unnecessary conflict It’s not responsive to public needs

Millennials see Fewer Responsibilities Associated with Citizenship

And Gen Y Is Less Trusting of Others

Millennials Views of Government Also Differ

Gen Y Less Critical of Government

Gen Y More Positive about Government

Government Service Gap

Politics & Public Service Hold Minimal Appeal

Millennials are More Tolerant

OK for Blacks and Whites to Date

The Dimensions of Engagement Many different ways in which citizens can be active in the society and the polity

Four Key Dimensions Civic activities (aka community activism) Electoral activities Political voice Underlying all of these -- Attentiveness

Civic Activity

Electoral Activity

Expressions of Political Voice

Attention to Politics Is Much Greater among Older Cohorts

Gen Y & Electoral Politics: Have they turned a corner?

Political Interest among College Freshmen

Youth Reduced the Turnout Gap in ‘08

Why is this generation (finally) getting electorally involved? Lessons from Research –Intentional efforts to mobilize –Authentic outreach New media –facebook, blogs, txt msgs Key events/zeitgeist –Economic distress, war, key candidate(s)?

What about 2010?

Youth are key to the Democratic Coalition

But will they vote? Midterm turnout gap between youth and older adults always big (25-30%)

Poor Turnout since 2008

It’s Up to You!