Melissa Deckman is the CEO of PRRI, the Public Religion Research Institute. A political scientist who studies gender, religion, and American political behavior, she was previously the Louis L. Goldstein Professor of Public Affairs and chair of the Department of Political Science at Washington College. Deckman’s books include Tea Party Women: Mama Grizzlies, Grassroots Leaders, and the Changing Face of the American Right (2016).
In The Politics of Gen Z, Melissa Deckman shows how Gen Z is already—and will continue—shaping the future of our democracy. Pairing original survey data and rich interviews with Gen Z activists, Deckman’s intersectional analyses complicate conventional narratives and demand that we take Gen Z women and queer Gen Zers seriously as agents of political change. Those who are seeking solutions to our political crises will be especially drawn to this innovative and ultimately optimistic work. It is a must-read for scholars, students, practitioners, and the public alike. -- Kelly Dittmar, Rutgers University Lots of people outside the ranks of Gen Z have strong views about who they are and what they supposedly think. Melissa Deckman deserves our gratitude for letting Gen Z speak for itself. Built on conversations and astute data analysis, this excellent book explodes stereotypes, breaks much new ground and will set the standard for future work on this pivotal and often misunderstood generation -- E. J. Dionne, Jr., author of <i>Code Red: How Progressives and Moderates Can Unite to Save Our Country</i> and <i>Our Divided Political Heart: The Battle for the American Idea in an Age of Discontent</i> Deckman paints a rich picture of this generation’s tremendous political potential, and especially how young women and LGBTQ Gen Zers see, practice, and shape politics in a way that’s driving progress towards our democratic ideals. It’s a must read for anyone looking to better understand and engage this generation in politics. -- Sara Guillermo, Chief Executive Officer of IGNITE National