THE INTERSECTION OF YOUTH, POLITICS, AND SOCIAL JUSTICE: A GEN Z PERSPECTIVE
Keywords:
Generation Z, Political Awareness, Social Justice, Activism, Digital Connectivity, Climate Strikes, Black Lives Matter, Political Participation, Socioeconomic Factors, Youth EngagementAbstract
This research examines Generation Z's political engagement and activism, proving their important role in influencing social change. The study defies conventional wisdom about young people's political knowledge and participation. It investigates how internet connectivity, education, and socioeconomic status affect Generation Z's political views and involvement in social justice efforts. Case studies like the worldwide climate strike and the Black Lives Matter movement demonstrate how this generation's activism has had a concrete impact on politics and society. The findings indicate that Generation Z is not only aware of the confluence between politics and social justice but also actively designing a more equitable future.
References
I. American Council of Trustees and Alumni. “Gen Z Is Anything But Politically Ill-Informed.” American Council of Trustees and Alumni, 7 April 2021, www.goacta.org/news-item/gen-z-is-anything-but-politically-ill-informed/. Accessed 9 June 2024.
II. BBC. “Greta Thunberg: Who is the climate activist and what has she achieved?” BBC, 9 May 2024, www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-49918719. Accessed 15 June 2024.
III. Carnegie, Megan. “Gen Z: How young people are changing activism.” BBC, 8 August 2022, www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20220803-gen-z-how-young-people-are-changing-activism. Accessed 15 June 2024.
IV. “47th Edition - Spring 2024.” Harvard IOP, 18 April 2024, iop.harvard.edu/youth-poll/47th-edition-spring-2024. Accessed 4 June 2024.
V. Mintz, Eric. “The Effects of University Education on the Political Attitudes of Young Adults.” Canadian Journal of Higher Education, vol. 28, no. 1, 1998, pp. 21-40, files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ565304.pdf. Accessed 19 June 2024.
VI. “Political participation - Community-Based Rehabilitation: CBR Guidelines.” NCBI, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310967/. Accessed 14 June 2024.
VII. “PRRI.” PRRI, 22 January 2024, www.prri.org/research/generation-zs-views-on-generational-change-and-the-challenges-and-opportunities-ahead-a-political-and-cultural-glimpse-into-americas-future/. Accessed 13 June 2024.
VIII. “PRRI.” PRRI, 23 January 2024, www.prri.org/press-release/survey-generational-change-in-political-leadership-necessary-to-solve-countrys-problems-according-to-generation-z-2/. Accessed 14 June 2024.
IX. Schaub, Max. “Acute Financial Hardship and Voter Turnout: Theory and Evidence from the Sequence of Bank Working Days.” American Political Science Review, vol. 115, no. 4, 2021, pp. 1-17, www.cambridge.org/core/journals/american-political-science-review/article/acute-financial-hardship-and-voter-turnout-theory-and-evidence-from-the-sequence-of-bank-working-days/5B5A872CA63098D5B6A3FCC53B9B6C29. Accessed 19 June 2024.
X. Siebler, Carina, et al. “Five years of 'Fridays for Future': what future now?” Social Europe, 5 September 2023, www.socialeurope.eu/five-years-of-fridays-for-future-what-future-now. Accessed 15 June 2024.
XI. Simama, Jabari. “The Issues That Motivate Gen Z Voters.” Governing, 8 April 2024, www.governing.com/politics/the-issues-that-motivate-gen-z-voters. Accessed 9 June 2024.
XII. Soken, Emmaline. “10 Reasons Why Social Justice Is Important.” Human Rights Careers, www.humanrightscareers.com/issues/10-reasons-why-social-justice-is-important/. Accessed 12 June 2024.
Additional Files
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2024 International Education and Research Journal (IERJ)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.