By CatholicVote | Created at 2024-10-23 18:33:48 | Updated at 2024-10-23 20:47:54
2 hours ago
CV NEWS FEED // Young American men, ages 18-34, are the only demographic in a study of 20 developed countries that has shifted more conservatively in recent years, according to multiple surveys provided in a report from The American Prospect.
The Harvard Youth Poll released in late September 2024 showed Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris holding strong support among young women, with a 47-point lead over Donald Trump on issues like climate change and abortion. Among young men, however, her lead was a more modest 17 points.
While restoring Roe v. Wade remains a key issue for Harris, polls indicate that young men are less focused on abortion compared to young women. According to a Survey Center on American Life report, only 45% of men identify as pro-choice, compared to 63% of women.
Further, a 2023 Ipsos poll found that just 46% of Gen Z men believe abortion should be legal in all or most cases — significantly less than other generations.
For many young men, the economy and inflation have become top concerns. A 2022 Survey Center on American Life poll noted that 70% of men aged 18 to 29 were primarily focused on inflation and gas prices, while only 46% were focused on abortion laws. Comparatively, 64% of young women cited abortion as a top concern.
This trend has raised concerns among Democrats as Harris emphasizes her commitment to restoring Roe v. Wade in her presidential campaign. However, according to the Prospect, her strong focus on abortion may not resonate as much with young men, a crucial voting bloc in the upcoming election.
According to a September article from Prospect, this “perilous electoral position” arises from the habit of some liberals equating “toxic” with “masculinity,” leading young men to feel viewed as “nothing but trouble” by Democrats.
While a Harvard poll indicated that 74% of young Democratic voters intend to vote in November, turnout among young men remains uncertain.
