December 9, 2021
How to Reach Young Americans: Insights from Harvard Institute of Politics Youth Survey
Twice a year, the Harvard Institute of Politics releases a public opinion poll of America’s 18 to 29-year-olds that provides valuable insight into the youngest generation of American adults. The most recent edition, released on December 1, 2021, gives us a look at how Americans under 30 view the country and what they want from their government.
Young Americans generally see the state of the nation as bleak. Over half (55%) are fearful instead of hopeful. Some of this may hinge on the outcome of the most recent election as Trump voters (88%) and Republicans (82%) are far more likely to be fearful about America. However, a majority of those unaffiliated (59%) are also more fearful than hopeful, as are those who voted for a third party candidate in 2020 (69%).
While three-quarters of 18 to 29-year-olds believe it is important that America remain a democracy, just 34% of them think America’s democratic system is healthy or even functioning “somewhat.” Over half (52%) see America’s system of government as “in trouble” or even outright “failing.” Again, there are some partisan skews, but even among Biden voters, half (50%) of young Americans see our nation in trouble or failing. Furthermore, two-thirds of young Americans do not believe American democracy is working as it should be.
Looking ahead to potential dire consequences of our democratic disfunction, over one-third (38%) of 18 to 29-year-olds see a greater than 50% chance of a second Civil War in their lifetime. This number reaches almost 50% among young Republicans (46%) and those without college degrees (47%). Additionally, one-quarter (25%) believe at least one state will secede from the union even if there is no associated armed conflict.
Additional survey data collected by SPN shows this demographic shares a significant distrust of government with older cohorts. They are slightly more distrustful of all levels of government (13% trust the federal government, 18% state, and 22% local) than their older peers.
In short, this group is not optimistic about where our government stands today.
Despite their characterization as hyper-focused on progressive causes like the environment and racial tensions, young Americans have the same top concern as their older counterparts: economic stability. One in four say their top concern is economic issues—more than double the next highest category (environment at 11%). Furthermore, strengthening the economy is the most popular definition of success for a modern presidency (58%). This might be why President Biden is currently under water with this demographic. Only 38% approve of his handling of the economy.
Young Americans want to see a path forward for creating a single, prosperous nation. In addition to strengthening our economy, 18 to 29-year-olds see creating unity in our country as a key marker of a successful presidency. This cohort is twice as likely to prefer elected officials who are willing to meet in the middle—even if it means policy doesn’t look like their ideal (43%)—instead of refusing to compromise to ensure preferred policy (21%). Notably, 35% aren’t sure which approach is better, indicating their pessimism and fear comes in part from not seeing any way, contentious or not, out of our current problems.
Young people are hungry for solutions from elected officials and policymakers. Although they are often branded as idealists, the current under 30 set is ready to see concrete policies that will address problems and not more tribalist rhetoric. For 40%, the concept of “the good life” involves being on solid economic footing, yet few believe the nation is heading in a direction that can provide such a foundation.
The concept of local government and control could be quite novel and intriguing to this group. They all came of age after 9/11, and most likely got their first experience with American politics during the Obama era which brought massive expansions in federal programs. The relative youth and style of Obama made the Democratic Party, which favors federal regulation and governance, the de facto choice for young Americans—a choice that might now be re-evaluated in an uncertain economy under the leadership of President Biden. A renewed focus on local government can address many of the key concerns 18 to 29-year-olds have and help restore their trust and faith in America.
The Network can play a valuable role in reaching young Americans, and helping them engage more with local government. Education efforts can focus on opportunities that young Americans have to make a difference in their own communities, and can highlight the value of American principles like federalism for ensuring that people can have a real say in their government. By highlighting the opportunity Americans have to reclaim their right to self-governance, and reminding young Americans that America is less divided than the partisans claim, state think tanks can empower young Americans to channel their solution-oriented passion towards bettering their communities.
