A new poll shows a deep Gen Z gender divide on politics, mental health, marriage, and family priorities. Young men and women are sharply split on key issues, including support for former President Donald Trump and attitudes toward marriage and raising children.
The survey, conducted by SurveyMonkey from August 13 to September 1, sampled 2,970 adults aged 18 to 29. It highlights differences in political approval, future outlook, and personal values between Gen Z men and women.
Nearly half of Gen Z men, 47%, said they somewhat or strongly approve of Trump’s job performance. By contrast, only 26% of women in this age group agreed. For comparison, a Pew Research Center poll in August found 43% of men and 35% of women of all ages approved of Trump, showing the gender gap is far more pronounced among younger voters.
Differences also appear on issues Trump addressed while in office. Forty-six percent of Gen Z men approved of his handling of immigration and border security, while only 24% of women agreed. Approval of his trade policies was 42% among men versus 23% for women. Regarding inflation and cost-of-living concerns, 41% of men approved compared with 21% of women.
The 2024 election revealed a notable shift in young voter behavior. About 55% of young men voted for Trump, compared to 41% of young women. In 2020, those figures were 41% and 33%, according to a Tufts University survey. Experts suggest factors such as economic anxiety, social media influence, and evolving cultural norms may have contributed to this trend.
The poll also examined mental health and workplace attitudes. Sixty-six percent of Gen Z women reported feeling anxious or worried about the future most or nearly all of the time. Only 46% of men said the same. Regarding workplace equality, 69% of men believed gender does not affect career advancement, while 51% of women agreed.
Both genders, however, prioritized similar traits for professional success. Communication, reliability, adaptability, and collaboration were the top four traits selected by both men and women. When asked to rank markers of personal success, both genders listed career fulfillment, enough money to enjoy life, and financial independence as the top three.
Differences emerged beyond these shared priorities. Young women ranked emotional stability fourth, while men placed it tenth. Men valued making their family or community proud more highly, ranking it fifth, while women placed it ninth.
Voting history also influenced these priorities. Among young men who voted for Trump, having children was the top marker of success. In contrast, women who voted for Harris ranked having children near the bottom. Marriage followed a similar pattern: male Trump supporters ranked it fourth in importance, while female Harris voters placed it 11th.
The poll underscores a generational split between young men and women on core life issues. From politics to family planning and mental health, Gen Z exhibits clear differences in values and priorities, reflecting broader social and cultural trends shaping the youngest adult voters.
