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Millennials Want a More Equitable Society

College-age voters are tired of our economic system favoring the wealthy, and their views contrast sharply with conservative ideology, writes Ruy Teixeira.

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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.”

millennials think the economic system 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.”

millennials think the government should do more to address inequality

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

millennials think the government should raise taxes on the wealthy

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. 

The positions of American Progress, and our policy experts, are independent, and the findings and conclusions presented are those of American Progress alone. A full list of supporters is available here. American Progress would like to acknowledge the many generous supporters who make our work possible.

Authors

Ruy Teixeira

Former Senior Fellow

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