2. Generation Next: Citizenship & The Millennials Molly W. Andolina, Ph.D. DePaul University mandolin@depaul.edu

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

4. 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.

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

6. Generational Divisions GenY (Millennials) cohort: ages 33 & under Born 1977-1982 (?) GenX cohort: ages 34-45 Born 1965-1976 Baby Boomer cohort: age 46-64 Born 1946-1964 Dutiful/Silent cohort: age 65+ Born before 1946

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. Who are these young people?

11. Changing Demographics Among 18-24 Year Olds

12. Marital Status of 18-29 year olds

13. Sent Text Message Past 24 Hours

14. Millennials have a Strong Generational Identification

15. The Civic and Political Attitudes of Generation Y

16. 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

17. Millennials see Fewer Responsibilities Associated with Citizenship

18. And Gen Y Is Less Trusting of Others

19. Millennials Views of Government Also Differ

20. Gen Y Less Critical of Government

21. Gen Y More Positive about Government

22. Government Service Gap

23. Politics & Public Service Hold Minimal Appeal

24. Millennials are More Tolerant

25. OK for Blacks and Whites to Date

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

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

28. Civic Activity

29. Electoral Activity

30. Expressions of Political Voice

31. Attention to Politics Is Much Greater among Older Cohorts

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

33. Political Interest among College Freshmen

34. Youth Reduced the Turnout Gap in ‘08

35. 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)?

36. What about 2010?

37. Youth are key to the Democratic Coalition

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

39. Poor Turnout since 2008

40. It’s Up to You!