IPSOS DATA DROPS:
Boycotts in America
March 2025
Key Takeaways:
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, an Ipsos poll finds that Americans across generations are largely in agreement on the ideals and principles that constitute what it means to be an American.
Freedom, justice, and equality are foundational values, regardless of generation
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Americans of all ages largely agree on what it means to be American, with treating people equally and believing in freedom and justice cited by large majorities across generations.
They are also broadly aligned in their views on happiness and success, a reminder of the American attitudes that transcend generational lines.
What’s next:
Both brands and institutions will need to recognize and acknowledge the challenges faced by those starting out in today’s economic landscape.
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IPSOS DATA DROPS:
Boycotts in America
March 2025
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Source: Ipsos America 250 Poll, fielded Feb. 25 – Mar. 4, 2026, among 4,692 U.S. adults aged 18+
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But there are also signs that Gen Z and Millennial adults have a different relationship with the nation than older generations: they are less likely to consider being American as central to their personal identity, and more likely to say that the ability to change is essential to the nation’s future success.
Though majorities of Gen Z and Millennial adults feel they’re on their way to achieving the American Dream (or have already achieved it), just over one in four feels the American Dream is out of reach for them personally.
Source: Ipsos America 250 Poll, fielded Feb. 25 – Mar. 4, 2026, among 4,692 U.S. adults aged 18+
Gen Z is facing headwinds in a job market buffeted by AI disruption, much as Millennials faced challenges navigating the early-career job market during the Great Recession. Even so, majorities in both groups feel they’re on their way to achieving the American Dream or have already achieved it.
But it’s important not to overlook the 28% in each group who feel the American Dream is out of reach for them personally – striking figures in a country where economic opportunity is a central promise.
The American Dream: Still within reach, but a harder path for young adults today?
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Gen Z (39%) and Millennials (39%) are less likely to feel that being American is important to them personally than older generations. In addition, the two younger generations are less likely to align with the view that “there’s no place I’d rather live than the U.S.” than their elders.
It remains to be seen whether Gen Z and Millennials will develop a stronger connection to the country as they age, or if this represents a more fundamental shift in their relationship with the U.S.
Being American features less prominently as part of Gen Z’s and Millennials’ identity
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Majorities of younger Americans think that they’re on the way to achieving the American Dream. Even so, 38% of U.S. adults think it’s unlikely that younger people today will achieve a higher standard of living than their parents’ generation, and nearly half hold the view that the U.S. is not doing well at providing opportunity for Americans to live prosperous and happy lives.
Ultimately, younger adults are not rejecting what the U.S. stands for. Rather, they are looking for the country to more fully live up to its values and to deliver on its promise of economic opportunity in the pursuit of a more perfect union.
Source: Ipsos America 250 Poll, fielded Feb. 25 – Mar. 4, 2026, among 4,692 U.S. adults aged 18+
For younger adults, the ability to change is seen as essential to the nation’s future success. About two-thirds of Gen Z and Millennials say this is more important than reliance on long-standing principles, in contrast to more mixed views among older adults.
More broadly, there’s a widespread sense among Americans that there’s “much more to do for America to live up to its founding ideals,” with Gen Z and Millennials especially likely to hold this view. It’s clear that younger adults are looking for a nation that continues to evolve.
Change is seen as vital to the U.S.’ future for Gen Z and Millennials
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Source: Ipsos America 250 Poll, fielded Feb. 25 – Mar. 4, 2026, among 4,692 U.S. adults aged 18+
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Gen Z and Millennials have questions about where they fit and what opportunities will be available to them.
Even so, 76% of Gen Z and 80% of Millennials agree that “as Americans, there’s no limit to what we can achieve when we are united in common cause” – a sign of their enduring optimism in America.
Gen Z, Millennials believe in America’s potential when united in common cause
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Source: Ipsos America 250 Poll, fielded Feb. 25 – Mar. 4, 2026, among 4,692 U.S. adults aged 18+
Alec Tyson SVP, Ipsos Public Affairs alec.tyson@ipsos.com
Bernard Mendez Senior Data Journalist bernard.mendez@ipsos.com