A Generation’s Cry for Change: What Gen Z’s Frustration with Democracy Tells Us
Results of a recent survey commissioned by TV’s Channel 4 have painted a striking picture of how Generation Z — those aged between 13 and 27 — view democracy. More than half (52%) believe the UK would be a better place if a strong leader could bypass parliament, and 47% feel society needs radical change through revolution. These findings might be alarming, but they are also a wake-up call.
Are these the views of a naive generation, or do they reflect a deeper disillusionment with the status quo? More importantly, what can older generations learn from this generational cry for change?
A Moment of Reflection, Not Blame
It’s tempting to dismiss such sentiments as youthful impatience or ignorance, as some commentators have done. Many have criticized Gen Z for being poorly educated or overly idealistic, but such responses risk missing the real question: Why do so many young people feel that democracy, as it stands, cannot deliver the change they need?
Generation Z faces unprecedented challenges: climate breakdown, rising inequality, political dysfunction, and economic insecurity. For many of them, traditional democratic institutions seem slow, unresponsive, or incapable of tackling these crises. Their frustration isn’t just about politics; it’s about a system that feels out of step with the urgency of their lives.
Why Either/Or Thinking Fails
The survey questions reflect a binary mindset: democracy vs. dictatorship, reform vs. revolution. But history and philosophy teach us that real change often requires moving beyond such stark oppositions.
This is where I find inspiration in two thinkers: Iain McGilchrist and Friedrich Nietzsche. McGilchrist emphasizes the need to balance two ways of engaging with the world — the left hemisphere’s focus on control and detail, and the right hemisphere’s holistic, relational perspective. Nietzsche critiques moral frameworks that trap us in reactive, blame-driven thinking, urging instead a focus on life-affirming values.
Together, these perspectives offer a framework for leadership that balances:
- Decisiveness and relationality: Action must be bold but grounded in empathy and interconnection.
- Human needs and planetary well-being: Leadership must address human flourishing without undermining the Earth systems that sustain life.
- Agency and humility: Leaders must recognize their power to act while staying attuned to the complexity of the systems they operate within.
This approach challenges the idea that we must choose between authoritarianism and ineffective democracy. Instead, it invites us to ask: How can we reimagine and co-create systems that address 21st-century challenges while staying true to democratic principles?
Leadership in a Complex World
For those of us in leadership positions—whether in business, education, governance, or community life — this is a call to action. Gen Z’s dissatisfaction isn’t a rejection of leadership itself; it’s a demand for leadership that works.
This means:
- Rebuilding Trust: Institutions must demonstrate transparency, competence, and responsiveness to regain credibility.
- Embracing Complexity: Simplistic solutions won’t do. Leadership must balance short-term pragmatism with long-term vision, integrating human and ecological needs.
- Creating Meaningful Participation: Younger generations need pathways to engage with systems of governance, not just as voters but as co-creators of solutions.
What Can We Learn from History?
For those of us who study history and philosophy, there are parallels to be drawn with previous moments of generational frustration:
- The revolutionary fervour of the late 18th century reflected a desire for freedom and equality in the face of entrenched hierarchies.
- The countercultural movements of the 1960s were born out of disillusionment with war, consumerism, and social inequality.
In each case, generational dissatisfaction became a driver of transformation—sometimes constructive, sometimes destructive. The lesson is clear: ignoring these frustrations risks amplifying them but engaging with them opens the door to progress.
A Call to Dialogue Across Generations
This moment calls for dialogue, not division. Gen Z needs the wisdom and experience of older generations, and we need their energy, creativity, and urgency. Together, we can reimagine leadership and governance for a world that feels increasingly precarious.
So, I invite you to reflect:
- For my U3A colleagues: What lessons from history, philosophy, or science can help us understand this generational cry for change? How can we engage in meaningful conversations with younger generations about their frustrations and hopes?
- For my LinkedIn network: How can we, as leaders in our fields, rebuild trust and create systems that empower young people to thrive while addressing the urgent challenges of our time?
Closing Thoughts
The dissatisfaction expressed by Gen Z isn’t just a rejection—it’s an opportunity. It’s a moment to rethink what leadership looks like in a complex, interconnected world. If we can move beyond the binary of reform vs. revolution, democracy vs. dictatorship, we may find new ways to lead—not just for the present, but for the future.
Terry Cooke-Davies
27th January 2025
Profound thanks to ChatGPT(4o) from OpenAI for assistance with this article.
