GEN Z’S NEW OUTLOOK

GENERATION Z stands out in views on race, climate, and the role of government.

Last weekend, the election gave an eye-opening perspective on the thinking and rationale of our younger generation as they cast their vote, many for the first time.

Armed with a ‘green is better’ view, yet without any real clarity of the policies that differentiate each party – the election showed our younger generation do not like party politics as they leaned towards a change in our climate policies above all else.

This clearly highlights the difference from the baby boomer generation and the seemingly unified voice for a reset of thinking across the political arena from the Millennials and Gen Z. Gen Z – diverse and on track to be the most well-educated generation yet with a liberal set of attitudes and an openness to emerging social trends.

On issues from role of government to racial equality and climate change, the views of Gen Z mirror those of Millennials. In each of these realms, the two younger generations hold views that differ significantly from those of their older counterparts. In most cases, members of the Silent Generation are at the opposite end, and Baby Boomers and Gen Xers fall in between.

Their outlook appears to be altered considerably by changing national conditions, world events or technological innovations. The political outcome on the weekend showed the strong voice of this younger generation which has changed the nation’s traditional two-party politics landscape.

Long before the term “influencer” was coined, young people played that social role by creating and interpreting trends. Now a new generation of influencers has come on the scene. Members of Gen Z are true digital natives: from earliest youth, they have been exposed to social media.

As global connectivity soars, generational shifts play a more important role in setting behaviour than socioeconomic differences. Young people have become a potent influence on people of all ages and incomes, as well as on the way those people consume and relate to brands. Research highlights their behaviours are anchored in one element: this generation’s search for truth. They mobilise themselves for a variety of causes and believe profoundly in the efficacy of dialogue to solve conflicts and improve the world.

So while we have a changing landscape I cannot help but reflect on the ’60s and ’70s, a time when the current Baby Boomers also sought freedom/liberty and had a more unified and loving approach to life.

Then came the ’80s, ’90s and a new millennium, where this group of now termed downsizers adapted to a more conservative lifestyle with a focus on wealth creation.

And while Baby Boomers look at the young people and ponder whether in fact their ideologies are any different – with the social issues confronting them adjusted for the current time.

Humanity has continued to evolve, yet the belief of “wanting Australia to continue to be a country that no matter where you live, who you worship, who you love or what your last name is, that places no restrictions on your journey in life”.

These were the words of our new Prime Minister, in his maiden speech. Words that hopefully will be actioned to show that indeed we can have a unified country, and a shared common purpose that moves away from the divisive nature that politics has become.

Let’s check the pulse of the nation in 100 days – and see if our new voters are pleased with the direction that they have helped shape.