A recent survey has revealed a fascinating trend in the United States: young women are becoming increasingly liberal. This shift in political ideology, particularly pronounced among those aged 18-29, can be traced back to the rise of Donald Trump and the subsequent cultural and political upheavals.
In 2001, women were only 3% more likely to identify as liberal than men, according to a Gallup survey. However, this gap has widened significantly, reaching a staggering 15% today. The election of Trump, a figure known for his controversial views and alleged misbehavior towards women, had a profound impact. His presidency coincided with the rise of the #MeToo movement, which exposed widespread sexual harassment and abuse across various industries, further galvanizing young women.
The overturning of Roe v. Wade, the landmark Supreme Court decision guaranteeing federal constitutional protection for abortion, served as another catalyst for this shift. This decision, which effectively stripped away women’s reproductive rights, has sparked intense anger and activism, further pushing young women towards liberalism.
The impact of these events is evident in the upcoming 2024 presidential election, where women are significantly more likely to support Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. A New York Times-Sienna College poll across six key battleground states found that 67% of women aged 18-19 favor Harris, compared to only 40% of young men.
The reasons behind this shift are multi-faceted. Young women, who came of age during the rise of the third and fourth waves of global feminism, grew up with a strong sense of empowerment and belief in their ability to achieve anything. They witnessed the rise of Barack Obama, a powerful symbol of hope and progress for the Black community, further shaping their liberal viewpoints.
However, Trump’s election, with his inflammatory rhetoric and history of alleged misconduct, served as a harsh reminder that sexism was not a relic of the past. This realization, coupled with the #MeToo movement and the overturning of Roe v. Wade, pushed young women to become more politically active and vocal about their rights.
Political scientists refer to this phenomenon as “internal political efficacy,” essentially the belief in one’s ability to create meaningful change. This newfound confidence, fueled by the events of the past decade, has led to a surge in young women’s political engagement and a strong preference for liberal values.
The political landscape in the US is increasingly polarized, with stark differences in attitudes towards women’s roles in society. While 31% of Democrats believe it is extremely or very important to see a woman president in their lifetime, only 5% of Republicans share that sentiment. This stark divide underscores the profound impact of recent events on shaping young women’s political beliefs and their increasing role in the future of American politics.
