Analysis: I would not have believed that Zoomers would become a more conservative generation than their predecessors
The article discusses how the current generation of youth in Finland appears to be adopting more conservative values compared to their parents.
Over the past decade, there has been a significant shift in youth culture in Finland, with studies showing that today's youth, specifically Generation Z (Zoomers), are becoming more conservative than their predecessors. This trend is reflected in recent political engagement, where the Finns Party emerged as the most popular party among underage voters in the 2023 youth elections, with a reported one-third of respondents indicating support for the party. This conservative shift is particularly pronounced among young men, who show increased religious sentiment and interest in figures like Andrew Tate, a proponent of traditional masculine ideals.
The article also notes an emerging trend among young women towards conservatism, highlighted by the popularity of aesthetic movements such as the 'tradwife' trend, which romanticizes 1950s domesticity. This cultural shift extends beyond Finland, as similar patterns have been observed in the United States, where younger demographics have rallied behind conservative figures and ideologies, notably around Donald Trump. Yale University has also pointed to this conservative turn among American youth, underscoring a broader cultural and political realignment.
The implications of these shifts may redefine political and social landscapes in Finland and beyond, suggesting that current and future generations might embrace traditional values more than anticipated. Analyzing these trends could provide insights into the future direction of youth engagement and the potential influences of media and social dynamics on political affiliations.