A recent poll suggesting that Generation Z in the UK is turning towards authoritarianism has been met with caution from academics, who argue the findings reflect disillusionment with the political system rather than a rejection of democracy itself.
The Mail on Sunday survey of 18- to 27-year-olds found 67% supported chemical castration for sex offenders and 45% backed the death penalty. Meanwhile, a Channel 4 study reported that 52% of 13- to 27-year-olds agreed that the UK would be better with a strong leader unencumbered by parliament and elections, and 33% thought the army should be in charge.
Professor Linda Woodhead of King's College London, co-author of 'Gen Z, Explained', said her research showed 40% of young people in the UK and US believed the political system needed major reform, with 15% viewing it as entirely broken. She attributed this to a sense of urgency over existential threats like climate change and a mismatch between their online influence and offline powerlessness.
Dr Daniel Evans, a sociologist at Swansea University, noted that young people, particularly the middle class, are struggling with high living costs and poor job prospects, leaving them 'desperate for change'. He suggested that without a left-wing populist alternative like Jeremy Corbyn, some are looking to 'strong men' such as Donald Trump as a perceived force for action.
However, Professor Bobby Duffy, director of the Policy Institute at King's College London, warned against demonising Gen Z. He cited World Values Survey data showing higher support for democracy among Gen Z than millennials, and predicted this would increase with age, as it has for previous generations. Some experts also criticised the survey methods, with Dr Chris Prosser of the British Election Study questioning the validity of such polls.
