A quiet revolution is brewing among Generation Z. Many young adults now embrace traditional Christian values, defying expectations of growing secularism. This trend challenges the notion that younger generations reject conservative morals and beliefs.
Isabel Brown, an online influencer in the US, illustrates this shift. Her book argues that Gen Z can save America by moving away from progressive ethics.
Brown believes her generation has been misunderstood and unfairly labeled as hopeless socialists. The survey data paints a complex picture of General Z’s beliefs.
Some studies suggest a gender gap, with young women tending to be more liberal than men. Professor Jean Twenge notes a significant increase in conservatism among high school students compared to the late 1980s.
In the UK, a 2022 Ipsos study found Gen Z generally more liberal than older generations. However, evidence of a conservative shift led the New Statesman to ask whether Gen Z might be the most conservative generation in history.
Conflicting data may indicate the early stages of a cultural trend. Personal stories of young people returning to traditional faith and morality abound.
Some young people reject modern social issues such as broken relationships and embrace religious traditions. Critics of the sexual revolution of the 1960s are emerging among younger generations.
A new wave of young conservatives
Journalist Louise Perry leads a wave of new feminists challenging liberal sexual attitudes. They defend Christian family values, arguing that sexual liberalism has harmed society.
Young people also speak in favor of traditional Christian morality. Paul Sapper, a 26-year-old communications officer, criticizes the ideology of the sexual revolution. He shares his personal journey of faith, which led him to embrace strict Catholic sexual ethics.
The traditional Latin Mass has gained popularity among young people in Western countries. This trend reflects a desire for more traditional forms of religious expression and practice.
The pro-life movement has seen a demographic shift in recent years. Younger activists now dominate events like the March for Life. New youth movements such as Abortion Resistance have emerged, challenging prevailing views on reproductive rights.
Eden McCourt, co-founder of Abortion Resistance, notes that young people are standing up against abortion despite facing backlash. Theo Wilmot, a former far-right activist, now campaigns against abortion based on personal experiences.
Honor Roberts, a pro-life advocate, suggests that men increasingly embrace conservative values. She believes this trend responds to society’s perceived moral decline and sexual permissiveness.
While headlines often portray youth as overwhelmingly liberal, this narrative overlooks a significant countertrend. Many young adults question prevailing liberal norms and seek solace in traditional Christian values and morality.
This shift challenges assumptions about generational values and beliefs. It suggests a more complex and nuanced understanding of Gen Z’s attitudes toward religion and morality. As this trend develops, it could reshape the social and political landscapes in the coming years.
