The gender gap between men and women has been a constant in American politics — but among Gen Z, it’s becoming something entirely new.
According to the latest NBC News Decision Desk Poll powered by SurveyMonkey, the youngest generation of American adults is redefining what divides us — not just in politics, but in how we view success, identity, and the future itself.
Among Gen Z overall, 64% disapprove of President Donald Trump’s job performance while 36% approve. But that broad number masks a sharp divide:
That 21-point gap has held steady since April of 2025, and continues across key issues. On immigration, 45% of young men approve of Trump’s handling of deportation and immigration, compared to just 21% of young women. The gap is similar on inflation, cost of living, and trade.
The differences don’t stop at politics. The poll shows Gen Z women report far higher anxiety about the future — one-third say they feel anxious “almost all of the time,” compared with fewer than two in ten Gen Z men.
That anxiety tracks with how they see the world around them. Forty-four percent of young women say men have an advantage in the workplace, compared to just 27% of young men who agree. Men are far more likely (69%) to believe gender doesn’t make a difference in career advancement.
And yet, despite these divides, both groups share common ground: they rank communication, reliability, and adaptability as the most important traits for success. Competitiveness and aggression — qualities often rewarded in traditional hierarchies — fall to the bottom of both lists.
Where the cultural split widens again is in how Gen Z defines a successful life. Both men and women agree that a fulfilling job, financial independence, and the freedom to live as they choose matter most. But after that, the definitions diverge.
These results highlight not just a gender divide — but two evolving worldviews within a single generation.
While Gen Z’s diversity of thought is a sign of intellectual vitality, there’s one data point that should worry us all: 77% of Gen Z eligible voters didn’t cast a ballot in the last midterm election (U.S. Census Bureau).
That silence speaks louder than any survey. This is a generation with strong opinions, clear priorities, and a deep sense of what’s wrong... and yet, too few are taking the next step toward shaping what’s right.
At Broadway for Democracy, we believe expression is the heart of democracy — whether it’s through song, speech, or a single vote. Every curtain call and every concert we produce is an invitation to use your voice — because democracy depends on participation, not perfection.
Gen Z has already redefined what it means to speak out. Now it’s time to show up.
So if you’ve ever felt like your opinion doesn’t count, remember this: the future is literally waiting for you to weigh in. The most powerful act you can take isn’t just online, but at the ballot box.
Your voice is your role in this story. And the next act starts when you step into it.
