By /

Abigayle Stewar

The Relationship Between Neoliberalism and Political Engagement among Gen Z

Biography

Abigayle Stewart is a fourth-year Professional Communication student at Toronto Metropolitan University exploring the intersection of communication, sociology, and political discourse. Through her current research, she examines the relationship between Generation Z’s (Gen Z) political engagement and the dominant ideologies shaping society. She hypothesizes that growing up in an era defined by individualism, a lack of collectivism, and the weakening of social systems has hindered Gen Z’s ability to engage politically and advocate for meaningful change.

Abigayle’s academic interests are complemented by her dedication to fostering social awareness and community engagement. Her experiences in leadership, advocacy, and public communication have deepened her understanding of how media narratives and institutional systems influence political behavior. With a commitment to using research as a tool for positive change, she aims to contribute to conversations that challenge systemic inequalities and empower collective action.

Details of Project

This research study investigates the relationship between neoliberalism and political engagement among Generation Z (Gen Z). Through qualitative methods, it examines news stories from 2015 to 2025 that focus on individuals aged 13 to 28, exploring the steady decline in political interest and voter participation within this demographic. Additionally, a critical discourse analysis is conducted to examine how discourse and sentiment — expressed by Gen Z, reinforce neoliberal ideology, specifically focusing on internalization of said beliefs. Drawing on Foucault’s concept of power and self-regulation, the study critically examines how neoliberal values are perpetuated through media narratives and personal perceptions, shaping Gen Z’s political attitudes and actions

Furthermore, this research provides a broader examination of neoliberalism as an ideology, analyzing the connections between discourse, meaning, and social perception, while investigating the motivations behind current social justice movements. By uncovering how neoliberal values influence Gen Z’s political attitudes, this study offers insight into the factors contributing to their participation—or lack thereof—in the political process.

Lightning talk

Scroll to Top