Public Opinion Snapshot: Millennials Want a More Equitable Society

By Ruy Teixeira | May 21, 2012

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Conservatives are hoping to build support among Millennials (defined by Pew as those adults born 1981 or after) by capitalizing on economic discontent. But Millennials’ high level of concern about inequality may make that very hard, since conservatives deny inequality is much of a problem and actually propose to make it worse through their favored tax and budget policies.

The Public Religion Research Institute, in conjunction with the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace and World Affairs, recently conducted a large-scale survey of college-age Millennials (ages 18-24). Among the findings was Millennials’ strong stand against inequality. Almost three-quarters (73 percent) agreed that “the economic system in this country unfairly favors the wealthy.”

Around 7 in 10 college-age Millennials (69 percent) also agreed that “the government should do more to reduce the gap between rich and poor.”

Finally, 72 percent said they favored “increasing the tax rate on Americans earning more than $1 million a year.”

Conservatives’ plans to exacerbate inequality may please some segments of the electorate but the Millennial generation does not appear to be one of them.

Ruy Teixeira is a Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress. To learn more about his public opinion analysis, go to the Media and Progressive Values page and the Progressive Studies program page of our website.