First Advisor

Joshua Eastin

Date of Award

Spring 6-11-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Political Science and University Honors

Department

Political Science

Language

English

Subjects

political science, politics, elections, presidency, trump, harris, Gen Z men, manosphere, social media, alt-right

Abstract

This study analyzes the recent rightward shift in voting patterns among Gen Z men in the 2024 election cycle and beyond. Drawing on procedural justice theory, it argues that deterrence from the Democratic party, rather than appeals from the opposition, was the primary driver of the shift, and that this deterrence reflects perceptions of procedural unfairness and exclusion from Democratic party agendas and policymaking platforms. A qualitative empirical analysis, including interviews with a politically and demographically diverse sample of men aged 21-26 in Oregon, supports this argument. Participants felt unjustly excluded from the left based largely on identity-related concerns and initially appreciated Donald Trump’s separation from traditional politics. However, participants also expressed disapproval with the current administration and the contemporary state of American politics more generally, which may signal a shift towards more independent voting patterns in the coming years. Given the salience of exclusion and procedural unfairness, a greater focus on communication and inclusive platform building to mitigate voter frustration could yield electoral dividends.

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