10 reasons young American women are becoming more 'liberal'

Since 2016, young women in America have undergone a significant political transformation, becoming markedly more liberal compared to their male peers. Key events like Hillary Clinton’s 2016 election loss and the rise of the #MeToo movement have sparked political engagement, pushing issues like gender inequality, abortion rights, and climate change to the forefront of their concerns. In the wake of Roe v. Wade’s reversal and growing anxiety over gun control, social justice, and the environment, young women have turned to liberal ideologies in greater numbers. Social media and representation by progressive leaders such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have further reinforced these trends, empowering young women with a sense of political efficacy and inspiring greater participation in activism and voting. Together, these factors have made young women a formidable liberal force, reshaping the American political landscape.

Here's 10 things you need to know:

Shift After 2016: While young men and women shared similar political ideologies around 2001, a dramatic shift occurred around 2016. Young women, particularly those aged 18-29, have become significantly more liberal than their male counterparts, with 40% identifying as liberal today, compared to 19% who identify as conservative.

Impact of Gender-Related Events: Hillary Clinton’s loss to Donald Trump in 2016 and the subsequent events, such as the #MeToo movement, played a pivotal role in shaping the political views of young women. Many felt that these events highlighted ongoing gender inequality, spurring political engagement.

The #MeToo Movement: This movement, which gained traction in 2017, solidified many young women’s political stances, particularly in terms of gender issues. They linked it to Trump’s victory and the broader issue of sexism in society, deepening their liberal leanings.

Abortion Rights and Roe v. Wade: The Supreme Court’s 2022 Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade, left many young women feeling threatened and motivated to protect their rights. This event alone led many women to adopt or reinforce their liberal views, particularly on reproductive rights.

Concerns About Climate Change: In the last eight years, the belief that human activities cause climate change rose significantly among young women, with 86% agreeing. This represents a 20-point increase since earlier presidencies and suggests growing concern about environmental issues.

Gun Control and Safety: Gun control remains another driving force behind young women’s shift toward liberalism. An increasing number support stricter gun laws, with 74% of young women backing tougher regulations — a rise of 16 percentage points since the Obama era.

Role of Social Media: Social media platforms like TikTok create echo chambers that reinforce existing beliefs. Algorithms on these platforms often expose young women to content that aligns with their views, further entrenching their liberal ideologies.

Representation of Progressive Women: The election of progressive women like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in 2018 had a profound influence on young women. Seeing women their age and with similar values in office inspired political engagement and activism, leading many to adopt a more liberal stance.

Racial and Social Justice Movements: Issues surrounding race relations, particularly in the wake of movements like Black Lives Matter, have resonated deeply with young women. Many have become more aware of systemic injustices and more vocal in their support of policies aimed at addressing inequality.

Increased Political Efficacy: Young women today are more confident in their ability to make political change. This sense of "internal political efficacy," cultivated through a focus on girls’ self-esteem and empowerment, has translated into higher levels of political engagement and voting activity.