Gen Z: Crusaders for Gender Equality

Critical Overview:

This article highlights the unique views of Generation Z (Gen Z) on gender equity and the need for organizations to adopt new strategies to accommodate these views as they enter the workforce. The article begins by emphasizing the digital connectivity and Artificial Intelligence (AI) that shape the upbringing of Gen Z. It then highlights that Gen Z’s views on gender equity are different from previous generations, including Millennials, and could play a more potent role in shaping the future workforce. The article also sheds light on the demographic and cultural forces shaping Gen Z’s attitudes towards gender, race, and income equality.

Equity Is Normal for Gen Z. Why?

The article emphasizes that equity is the norm for Gen Z and not a “perk” or “nice to have.” They expect gender equity to exist, believe that the glass ceiling is archaic, and do not accept the notion that future success depends on gender. This is due to the fact that Gen Z will be the largest population on the planet, and they will not tolerate any form of inequity. To adjust to this shift in generational beliefs, the article recommends understanding the demographic and cultural forces that shape Gen Z’s views.

Attitudes Toward Gender, Race, and Ethnicity

Gen Z’s fluid attitudes towards gender are highlighted, with more than half of the cohort (57%) not identifying as straight, and 47% preferring not to define their sexuality strictly. The article notes that Gen Z is more comfortable identifying as non-binary and wants gender-identification questions to include options besides male or female. Furthermore, 35% of Gen Z knows someone in their peer group who prefers gender-neutral pronouns, leading them to push for non-binary options on driver’s licenses. The article highlights the urgency of equity when Gen Z’s fluid attitudes intersect with the fact that almost half (48%) of Gen Z are racial or ethnic minorities.

Income Equality

The article notes that the value Gen Z places on gender, race, and ethnic equity dovetails into income equality. It highlights that Gen Z is waking up to the consequences of income inequality and that this negatively affects perceptions of the US. Furthermore, Gen Z wants the government to play a greater role in solving problems relating to inequity. The article emphasizes that Gen Z children are more likely to have a working mother, who has a pay gap of 71 cents on a man’s dollar. Thus, the majority of Gen Z children have families that depend on their mother’s wages for economic well-being.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, this article emphasizes the need for organizations to adjust to Gen Z’s unique views on gender equity, which are different from previous generations. The article highlights the demographic and cultural forces shaping Gen Z’s views, such as their fluid attitudes towards gender and the urgency of equity when these attitudes intersect with the fact that almost half of Gen Z are racial or ethnic minorities. The article also notes that Gen Z values income equality and wants the government to play a greater role in solving problems relating to inequity. Finally, the article emphasizes that Gen Z is the most diverse and best-educated generation to date, making it essential to accommodate their views on gender equity and other forms of equity in the workplace.