The Pew Research Center has come out with a survey describing the lifestyles, values and beliefs of 18-25 year olds that they call "A Portrait of 'Generation Next.'" It's a 45 page document and I have put a summary of their findings in the post continuation below.
A few things stand out to me.
The message of conservatives, both religious and political conservatives, doesn't seem to have gained much traction with this generation. On the political end of things, it is noteworthy that the majority of this age group thinks immigration is a good thing, supports gay marriage and votes Democratic.
On the religious end of things the number of those in this age group who are atheists or have no religious affiliation has doubled since 1980 and only 4% think becoming more spiritual is the most important thing in life.
I also got a kick out of how many from this age group have tattoos and piercings. Survey says:
About half of Gen Nexters say they have either gotten a tattoo, dyed their hair an untraditional color, or had a body piercing in a place other than their ear lobe.
The reason I got a kick out of it is that I used to be a youth minister in a very conservative southern environment and tattoos and piercings were a battleground in that environment as they were often seen as signs of rebellion against traditional, religious, conservative values. If that's the case, it looks like the rebellion is growing.
But here's the upshot of it all. As one who has lived in the conservative environment for a long time, it seems that the conservative message has not connected with the younger generation. And speaking only of Christian conservatives, it seems to me that we will face some major decisions in the future.
The decision is whether we will redouble our efforts to press the conservative social and political agenda or will redouble our efforts to press the message of the cross. When Paul says that he entered the Corinthian culture resolving to know nothing except Christ and Him crucified (I Cor. 2:2) he showed a very narrow, laser-like focus for his ministry. There were many other things he could have addressed from a biblical perspective, but he wanted to only focus on Christ and him crucified.
As I say this, I am not calling for cultural withdrawal. I am still fully on board with the whole Kuyperian worldview, but I do believe we ought to rethink our priorities and methods.
See the post continuation for the summary of the Pew findings.
HT - CatalystSpace
Meet Generation Next:
• They use technology and the internet to connect with people in new and distinctive ways.
Text messaging, instant messaging and email keep them in constant contact with friends.
About half say they sent or received a text message over the phone in the past day,
approximately double the proportion of those ages 26-40.
• They are the “Look at Me” generation. Social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace and
MyYearbook allow individuals to post a personal profile complete with photos and
descriptions of interests and hobbies. A majority of Gen Nexters have used one of these
social networking sites, and more than four-in-ten have created a personal profile.
• Their embrace of new technology has made them uniquely aware of its advantages and
disadvantages. They are more likely than older adults to say these cyber-tools make it easier
for them to make new friends and help them to stay close to old friends and family. But more
than eight-in-ten also acknowledge that these tools “make people lazier.”
• About half of Gen Nexters say the growing number of immigrants to the U.S. strengthens
the country – more than any generation. And they also lead the way in their support for gay
marriage and acceptance of interracial dating.
• Beyond these social issues, their views defy easy categorization. For example, Generation
Next is less critical of government regulation of business but also less critical of business
itself. And they are the most likely of any generation to support privatization of the Social
Security system.
• They maintain close contact with parents and family. Roughly eight-in-ten say they talked
to their parents in the past day. Nearly three-in-four see their parents at least once a week,
and half say they see their parents daily. One reason: money. About three-quarters of Gen
Nexters say their parents have helped them financially in the past year.
• Their parents may not always be pleased by what they see on those visits home: About half
of Gen Nexters say they have either gotten a tattoo, dyed their hair an untraditional color,
or had a body piercing in a place other than their ear lobe. The most popular are tattoos, which decorate the bodies of more than a third of these young adults.
• One-in-five members of Generation Next say they have no religious affiliation or are atheist
or agnostic, nearly double the proportion of young people who said that in the late 1980s.
And just 4% of Gen Nexters say people in their generation view becoming more spiritual as
their most important goal in life.
• They are somewhat more interested in keeping up with politics and national affairs than were
young people a generation ago. Still, only a third say they follow what’s going on in government and public affairs “most of the time.”
• In Pew surveys in 2006, nearly half of young people (48%) identified more with the
Democratic Party, while just 35% affiliated more with the GOP. This makes Generation
Next the least Republican generation.
• Voter turnout among young people increased significantly between 2000 and 2004,
interrupting a decades-long decline in turnout among the young. Nonetheless, most members
of Generation Next feel removed from the political process. Only about four-in-ten agree
with the statement: “It’s my duty as a citizen to always vote.”
• They are significantly less cynical about government and political leaders than are other
Americans or the previous generation of young people. A majority of Americans agree with
the statement: “When something is run by the government, it is usually inefficient and
wasteful,” but most Generation Nexters reject this idea.
• Their heroes are close and familiar. When asked to name someone they admire, they are
twice as likely as older Americans to name a family member, teacher, or mentor. Moreover,
roughly twice as many young people say they most admire an entertainer rather than a
political leader.
• They are more comfortable with globalization and new ways of doing work. They are the
most likely of any age group to say that automation, the outsourcing of jobs, and the growing
number of immigrants have helped and not hurt American workers.
• Asked about the life goals of those in their age group, most Gen Nexters say their
generation’s top goals are fortune and fame. Roughly eight-in-ten say people in their
generation think getting rich is either the most important, or second most important, goal in
their lives. About half say that becoming famous also is valued highly by fellow Gen
Nexters.
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