Four Unique Ways Generation Z is Making a Mark

In many ways, Generation Z and their Millennial predecessors are a lot alike. They are highly educated and diverse generations. They tend to hold similar political and social views on race, gender equality, climate change, and LGBTQ rights. Both groups are struggling economically and financially, especially when it comes to debt and finding jobs. 

But as they come of age, Gen Zers are beginning to make their mark and distinguish themselves as their own generational cohort. Here are four recent areas where Generation Z is pulling apart as a unique generation:

They Support Universal Basic Income

The concept of Universal Basic Income (or UBI) was first widely popularized by presidential hopeful and entrepreneur Andrew Yang. While many across generations have rejected this economic idea that expressed the belief that everyone deserves a government subsidized monthly income, Generation Z has latched on to this concept and expressed wide support for it. In the State of Gen Z study, 58% of Gen Zers supported UBI, more than any other generation. This strong support from Generation Z could have broad implications for elections and policy changes if it continues over the next several years.

They Are More Likely To Be a Member Of the LGBTQ Community

Generation Z is coming of age in an era when they feel more comfortable identifying as a member of the LGBTQ community and LGBTQ rights are at an all-time high. The latest Gallup polling shows that 1 in 6 Generation Z adults self-identify as something other than heterosexual. The numbers of LGBTQ persons in Generation Z are far greater than any other generation; only about 9.1% of Millennials and 3.8% of Gen Xers identify as LGBTQ compared to 15.9% of Gen Z adults. These latest polls caused the total number of LGBTQ people across all generations to rise from 4.5% in 2017 to 5.6% in 2021.

They Could Lead a Return To Manufacturing

At a time when it seems like manufacturing jobs are being automated or shipped overseas, Generation Z is surprisingly showing a high interest in these opportunities. According to the Leading2Lean Manufacturing Index, compared to Millennials, they are 19% more likely to have had a teacher or counselor recommend manufacturing as a career option, and they are 7% more likely to explore manufacturing as a potential career interest. Generation Z is a practical and realistic generation that has seen parents and older siblings struggle through the Great Recession. They may look toward manufacturing as a way to avoid debt and enter into a high paying career right out of college or even high school.

Their Buying Power Is Influenced By Social Media

More so than any other generation, Generation Z looks to social media influencers and places like Instagram before they make a purchase. According to one study by Kantar, 44% of Gen Zers have made a purchase based on the recommendation of a social media influencer compared to 26% of people across all generations. The Influencer Report similarly found the 52% of Gen Zers trust social media influencers to give good advice about brands or products they are promoting. In contrast, Millennials tend to look more toward Amazon product reviews or news recommendations. This trend could definitely make an impact as companies drive their marketing efforts toward Generation Z in social media hubs.