2011-11-02-皮尤-The_Generation_Gap_and_the_2012_Election_154页_1mb

2012 Election: Generational Divide in Political Attitudes

Core Content

This report from the Pew Research Center, dated November 3, 2011, explores the generational differences in political attitudes that were shaping the 2012 U.S. presidential election. It highlights the growing divide between younger and older Americans, particularly between the Millennial generation and the Silent generation, and how these differences influence voting behavior, party affiliation, and policy preferences.

Main Generations and Their Characteristics

Silent Generation

• Born: 1928 to 1945
• Turned 18: 1946 to 1963
• Current Age: 66-83
• Registered Voters: 17%
• Political Leanings:
  • Most conservative views on government and social issues
  • Strongly support Republican candidates in recent elections
  • 81% are non-Hispanic whites
• Key Issues:
  • Most consistently disapprove of Obama
  • View government as a source of anger or frustration
  • More likely to see racial diversity and social changes as negative
• Economic Concerns:
  • Financially satisfied, but less confident about retirement security
  • More likely to support raising the retirement age for Social Security and Medicare
• Historical Context:
  • Previously supported Democrats in the 1990s
  • Now the most Republican generation
  • Strongly engaged in the 2012 election

Millennial Generation

• Born: 1981 to 1993
• Turned 18: 1999 to 2011
• Current Age: 18-30
• Registered Voters: 17%
• Political Leanings:
  • Strongly support Obama for reelection
  • More liberal on social and governmental issues
  • Less politically engaged than in 2008
• Key Issues:
  • Jobs are the top voting issue
  • More supportive of privatizing entitlement programs
  • View the changing face of America as positive
• Economic Concerns:
  • Financial satisfaction has dropped since 2009
  • Still upbeat despite high unemployment
• Party Affiliation:
  • 50% identify as Democrats or Democratic-leaning independents
  • 36% lean toward the GOP

Baby Boomer Generation

• Born: 1946 to 1964
• Turned 18: 1964 to 1982
• Current Age: 47-65
• Registered Voters: 37%
• Political Leanings:
  • Historically more Democratic than Silent generation
  • More conservative than Millennials
  • Split between Democratic and Republican support in 2012
• Key Issues:
  • Jobs and Social Security are top concerns
  • More likely to support reducing benefits for higher-income seniors
• Economic Concerns:
  • 38% not confident about retirement income
  • 54% say their financial situation is worse than before the recession

Generation X

• Born: 1965 to 1980
• Turned 18: 1983 to 1998
• Current Age: 31-46
• Registered Voters: 26%
• Political Leanings:
  • More liberal than older generations on social issues
  • Split between Republican and Democratic support in 2012
• Key Issues:
  • Jobs are the top concern
  • More supportive of government intervention than Silents
• Economic Concerns:
  • 46% not confident about retirement income
  • More likely to support privatization of entitlement programs

Key Findings

• Generational Gap: The generation gap in politics has been more pronounced in the last four elections than in decades. Younger generations (Millennials and Gen Xers) have increasingly leaned Democratic, while older generations (Silents and Boomers) have moved more Republican.
• Obama's Approval: Obama's job approval has dropped significantly across all generations, especially among Millennials and Silents.
• Social and Economic Issues:
  • Millennials and Gen Xers are more liberal on social issues and more supportive of government intervention.
  • Silents are more conservative and hold traditional views on government and social change.
• Retirement Concerns: All generations are concerned about retirement security, but Boomers and Gen Xers are most worried.
• Entitlements: While all generations agree that current retirement benefits should be maintained, there is a significant divide on proposed reforms like privatization and raising the retirement age.
• Racial and Ethnic Diversity: Younger generations are more racially diverse and more accepting of the changing face of America, which benefits Democrats.
• Political Engagement: Silents are more politically engaged than Millennials, despite the latter's strong support for Obama.
• Historical Context: The political leanings of each generation are shaped by the presidents and political environments they experienced during their formative years.

Conclusion

The Pew Research Center study reveals that generational differences are deeply rooted in political, social, and economic experiences. The Silent generation, shaped by the mid-20th century, is more conservative and less supportive of government activism, while Millennials, influenced by the Clinton and Bush eras, are more liberal and supportive of government action. These differences are expected to influence the 2012 election, with Millennials and Gen Xers favoring Obama and Silents and Boomers leaning Republican. The report also underscores the importance of understanding generational dynamics in shaping future political trends.