The younger generation of American adults is increasingly politically divided along gender lines. This phenomenon seems to be affecting romantic relationships as well. With young women tending to be progressive and young men conservative, dating people of different orientations is becoming increasingly rare.
Since romantic relationships often influence long-term community ties and even voting behavior–not to mention daily life–the polarization observed in romantic relationships could contribute to deepen social divisions over time. With Generation Z set to become the largest voting bloc in the next decade, reluctance to bridge political divides could have lasting effects on the country’s political cohesion itself.
As data recorded by eHarmony reveal, 28 percent of Generation Z singles said different political views could cause them to turn down a date, compared to 21 percent of Millennials. Although the majority still say they would consider a partner with opposing views, the gap suggests that Generation Z is less flexible.
An October poll by the New York Times and Siena College also showed a striking gender gap among Gen. Z voters. Women ages 18-29 preferred former Vice President Kamala Harris to President Donald Trump by a margin of 38 percentage points, while men in the same group preferred Trump by a margin of 13 percentage points. No other generation has such a wide gap.
According to insiders, differing political views often deter young people from pursuing a relationship. In the wake of the 2024 elections, this polarization may have become even more pronounced.
“Political behavior used to be a private thing. Husbands and wives went into the privacy of their own voting booth and silently made their choice. Then everyone came together under one flag,” said Wendy Walsh, professor of psychology at California State University Channel Islands. “But today politics has become a school of personal identity. A way of saying this is who I am and I cannot accept anyone who thinks differently from me.”
At the same time, researchers and experts say it will be necessary to understand whether this generation will maintain rigid political boundaries in long-term relationships or whether common life goals, financial compatibility and emotional intimacy will sooner or later prevail.
