Gen Z Shows Optimism Amid Economic Struggles, Divided on Key Issues

Chicago, IL – A new NBC News Stay Tuned poll reveals that many younger Americans, particularly those under 30, remain hopeful about the economy despite facing significant challenges. The poll indicates that 30% of American adults in this age group believe their financial situation has worsened over the past year, while 27% feel their finances have improved.

Interestingly, members of Generation Z expressed a more positive outlook compared to older generations. For instance, only 18% of adults aged 65 and older reported better financial situations in the last year. In previous polls, Gen Z voters were shown to be more critical of the Biden administration amid inflation concerns, hinting at a potential shift in political allegiances, with many expressing discontent.

The poll highlights various economic attitudes across demographics. A plurality of respondents identified inflation and the rising cost of living as their biggest economic concerns. In response, 70% of Gen Z voiced disapproval of how President Donald Trump has managed inflation and living costs, a sentiment echoed across many age groups but particularly strong among younger voters.

Gender differences also surfaced in the survey. While a majority of young men reported improved financial situations, only 20% of young women felt similarly. The results underscore a broader divide within Gen Z, with men more likely to see their financial statuses as stable or improving.

Furthermore, the poll reveals stark political divides over immigration policies, with 92% of Gen Z supporting due process protections for individuals with various visa statuses. Nevertheless, opinions diverge significantly by party affiliation, particularly regarding deportations based on foreign policy implications, where a majority of Gen Z Republicans support such actions compared to a handful of Democrats and independents.

On social issues, Gen Z shows a pronounced inclination towards progressive values, with 74% endorsing diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, although support varies significantly by gender. Meanwhile, attitudes towards traditional gender roles remain split, with 67% of respondents opposing the idea that America would be stronger with more women in those roles, indicating a notable generational and gender gap.

The NBC News poll, conducted from April 11 to 20 among 19,682 adults aged 18 and over, including 2,230 aged 18-29, reflects the evolving perspectives of younger generations as they navigate the complexities of an unstable economy and societal change. The margin of error is estimated at plus or minus 2.2 percentage points for the general population and 2.7 for Gen Z respondents.