The analysis of polling data over the past 20 years shows a significant increase in the number of young liberal women, with an average of 40% of women aged 18 to 29 identifying as liberal over the past seven years. This is a noticeable increase from 32% during the President Obama era and 28% during the President Bush era. The gap between liberal young women and other demographics has also widened, with a 15-point difference between them and liberal young men.
There isn’t one specific event that has caused this increase in liberalism among young women, but factors including the “#MeToo” movement and recent abortion bans across the country may have played a role. It’s not just a higher number of liberal young women, but their policy beliefs are also becoming more left-leaning. Issues such as abortion, gun control, race relations, and the environment have seen a shift towards more liberal viewpoints among young women in recent years.
The increase in support for sweeping abortion rights among young women, especially after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, is particularly notable. These young women are becoming more unified in their support for key issues and are not only holding these views but are also dissatisfied with the current state of affairs in the country. This could potentially make them a powerful voting block if they continue to stand together on these issues and express their concerns through voting.
The under-30 female voters are showing high levels of unity on key issues and are worried about the state of the country in these areas. This indicates that their liberal viewpoints are not just a passing trend but reflect genuine concerns and priorities. Supermajorities of young women hold these liberal views, which could have a significant impact on policy-making and elections if they continue to be actively engaged in the political process.
The analysis suggests that young women are shifting left on various issues, indicating a broader trend towards increased liberalism within this demographic. The changes in their viewpoints are reflected in their policy beliefs, which are becoming more aligned with progressive values. This shift has been particularly noticeable over the past decade, indicating a significant change in the political landscape among young women.
Overall, the increase in liberal young women and their shifting policy beliefs could have significant implications for future elections and policy decisions. If this demographic continues to hold strong liberal views and participate actively in the political process, they could become a powerful force for change in the coming years. The unity among young women on key issues suggests a potential for collective action and impact in shaping the direction of the country.
