A “youthquake” is social, cultural, or political change brought about by young people.
The term encapsulates the increased political engagement, activism, and participation from the younger demographic that stimulates profound social, cultural, and political change.
Origin of “Youthquake”
The term originated in the fashion industry in 1965, when it was used by Vogue magazine.
Today, it is widely applied to the field of politics, portraying the younger generation’s potential power to cause a seismic shift in voting patterns, policy priorities, and political discourse.
This phenomenon is notably observed in times of substantial political events or elections, where there is a surge in youth participation, catalyzing change in the political arena.
It has taken on a more politically charged meaning in recent years, and was voted the ‘Word of the Year’ for 2017 by Oxford.
The idea of a ‘youthquake’ inherently suggests a transformative potential in getting out the vote.
Use of “Youthquake” in a sentence
- The 2018 midterm elections in the United States witnessed a youthquake, as the number of voters aged between 18 and 29 surged dramatically, leading to substantial policy shifts towards climate change and education reforms.
- The Brexit referendum seemed to spark a youthquake in the United Kingdom; the unexpected rise in youth participation underscored their desire for deeper integration with Europe and more liberal immigration policies.
- Political analysts are predicting a possible youthquake in the upcoming presidential election, driven by younger voters’ increasing concern about social justice issues and their heightened digital activism.