‘Something very strange’: Young women are leaning left

The Growing Leftward Shift of Young Women: An Analysis

Key Concepts:

• Political Polarization: The divergence of political attitudes toward ideological extremes.
• Gender Gap in Politics: The difference in political opinions between men and women.
• Social Media & Ideology: The influence of social media platforms on the formation and dissemination of political beliefs.
• Victimhood Culture: A societal emphasis on identifying and responding to perceived injustices and grievances.
• Value-Based Politics: Political alignment driven primarily by moral and ethical convictions rather than specific policy preferences.
• Hawkeing Era (Australian Politics): A period of economic reform and social consensus under Prime Minister Bob Hawke (1983-1991).
• Patriarchy & Toxic Masculinity: Concepts relating to systemic gender inequality and harmful masculine norms.

1. The Emerging Gender Divide in Political Alignment

The discussion centers on a significant and growing trend: the increasing divergence in political leanings between young women and young men globally. Data from Australia, the United States, Britain, Germany, and South Korea reveals a pronounced shift towards the left among young women (aged 18-29) compared to their male counterparts. Specifically, an ABC Vote Compass survey in Australia showed that two-thirds of women under 29 identify as left or moderately left, while only half of young men in the same age group do. In the US, this gap is 23 percentage points, with young women significantly more likely to align with left-wing ideologies. This trend has become more pronounced over the past five years. The 2022 Australian election saw the Liberal Party achieve its lowest ever female vote share, highlighting the political implications of this shift.

2. Explanations for the Shift: Social Media, Anxiety, and Belonging

Lisa Godard attributes this trend to the unique environment in which young women are growing up. She argues that the pervasive influence of social media, coupled with constant messaging about global crises (climate change, etc.), fosters a sense of anxiety and victimhood. The left, she contends, has effectively “weaponized” this anxiety, offering a sense of belonging and ideological home to these young women. She emphasizes the need for conservative parties to understand this dynamic and offer a compelling alternative, particularly within universities, to regain the female vote. As Godard states, “what the left have very cleverly done, I think, is they've taken that anxiety in that sort of in that age group and weaponized it into ideology and they've said you have a home here in the left and the far left.”

3. The Evolution of the Left and the Rise of Value-Based Politics

Joe Hilderbrand offers a different perspective, suggesting that the nature of the left itself has changed. He contrasts the “gold standard” of the Hawkeing era – focused on economic outcomes, economic management, and a pragmatic approach to policy – with the current iteration of left-wing politics. He argues that young people are now less concerned with practical policy improvements and more focused on expressing their values and, crucially, what they disapprove of. He points to a case study where individuals identified not as pro-Labour, but as anti-Dutton (a prominent conservative politician), illustrating this shift towards value-based alignment. Hilderbrand notes that the modern left is often “united by what they hate,” citing examples like Peter Dutton, Israel, sexism, and misogyny.

4. Cultural Touchstones and the Gendered Nature of Values

Hilderbrand further explains the gender gap by highlighting cultural touchstones that resonate more strongly with young women. He suggests that the perception of women as oppressed, the critique of the patriarchy and toxic masculinity, and even questioning the binary nature of sex contribute to this divergence. He posits that these issues are central to the values of many young women, leading them to align with the left. He jokingly refers to his attempt to explain this as "mansplaining," acknowledging the sensitivity of discussing gender dynamics.

5. The Hawkeing Era as a Historical Context

The discussion references the Hawkeing era (1983-1991) in Australian politics as a period of pragmatic, economically-focused left-wing governance. This era, characterized by economic deregulation and social safety nets (the Accord), is presented as a contrast to the current, more values-driven left. The Accord, specifically, involved wage restraint in exchange for government investment in healthcare, welfare, and education. This historical context is used to illustrate how the priorities and focus of the left have evolved over time.

6. Data and Statistics

• Australia (ABC Vote Compass): 66% of women under 29 identify as left or moderately left, compared to 50% of men in the same age group.
• United States: A 23-point gap exists between young women and young men in their left-wing political alignment.
• Australia (2022 Election): The Liberal Party recorded its lowest ever female vote share.

Conclusion:

The growing leftward shift among young women is a complex phenomenon driven by a confluence of factors. Social media, anxieties surrounding global crises, and a perceived sense of victimhood contribute to a desire for belonging and ideological alignment. Simultaneously, the evolution of the left towards a more value-based politics, centered on opposition to perceived injustices and cultural issues, resonates particularly strongly with young women. Conservative parties face a significant challenge in understanding and addressing this trend, requiring a re-evaluation of their messaging and a compelling alternative to regain the support of young female voters. The shift isn’t simply about policy preferences, but about deeply held values and a sense of identity.