what unites ‘Gen Z’ protests across countries

Why in News

• Youth-led ‘Gen Z protests’ have erupted in Morocco and Madagascar, following earlier similar movements in Indonesia, Nepal, and the Philippines.
• These are social media–driven mass agitations centered around inequality, poor governance, and quality-of-life issues, reflecting a global pattern of youth disillusionment in developing economies.

Relevance

• GS 2: Governance, accountability, political participation, comparative politics.
• GS 1 (Society): Youth aspirations, social change, inequality.

Basic Context

• Gen Z refers to the generation born between mid-1990s and early 2010s, now in their 20s or early 30s.
• They are digitally connected, socially conscious, and politically assertive, often using online platforms like Discord, TikTok, and Facebook for mobilisation.
• These protests represent a new form of political participation, less reliant on formal organisations and more driven by networked activism.

Triggers and Contexts

1. Morocco

• Trigger: Death of a young woman during childbirth in a public hospital (Agadir, Sept 2024).
• Symbolism: Protesters contrasted poor healthcare with billions spent on FIFA World Cup 2030 infrastructure.
  • Slogan: “Stadiums are here, but where are the hospitals?”
• Organisers: Collective called Gen Z 212 (country code for Morocco) using Discord for coordination.
• Socioeconomic context:
  • Unemployment (15–24 yrs): 36%
  • Per capita GDP (2024): USD 3,993 (global avg: > USD 13,000)
  • >50% population under 35; frustration with inequality and elite privilege.
• Political backdrop: Constitutional monarchy; visible inequality between ruling elite and youth masses.

2. Madagascar

• Trigger: Government repression of youth protests (Sept 2024) leading to 20+ deaths.
• Escalation: Youth-led movement (Gen Z Madagascar) evolved into a wider anti-establishment uprising, leading to President Andry Rajoelina’s resignation.
• Organisation: Initially youth movements on Facebook & TikTok, later supported by civil society groups.
• Economic distress:
  • Per capita income declined 45% since independence (1960–2020).
  • Widespread poverty and public anger at elite capture of resources.

Common Threads Across Gen Z Movements

• Digital mobilisation: Social media as the main tool for organisation and message amplification.
• Economic frustration: Youth unemployment, inequality, and declining purchasing power.
• Perceived elite capture: Anger against “nepo kids” (nepotism, privilege, and dynastic elites) — seen in Nepal, the Philippines, and Indonesia.
• Quality-of-life concerns: Health, education, job security, and state accountability.
• Erosion of trust: Young citizens view traditional political structures as unresponsive and corrupt.
• Short-lived intensity: Movements gain traction rapidly but often fizzle out due to lack of long-term coalition building.

Structural Causes

1. Economic:
   1. Shrinking industrial jobs due to automation and globalisation.
   2. Middle-income trap in developing economies.
   3. Inflation and cost-of-living crisis post-pandemic.
2. Social:
   1. Rising educational aspirations unmet by job opportunities.
   2. Social media exposure magnifies global comparisons and resentment.
3. Political:
   1. Weak democratic accountability; dominance of entrenched elites.
   2. Repressive state responses erode legitimacy further.

Global Dimensions

• Similar Gen Z uprisings seen in:
  • Indonesia (2020–21): Labour law reforms.
  • Nepal (2023): Corruption and nepotism.
  • Philippines: Inequality and political dynasty protests.
• Reflects a transnational generational shift in political participation, often leaderless but connected online.

Scholarly Insight

• As per Dr. Janjira Sombatpoonsiri (German Institute for Global & Area Studies):
  • These movements stem from a “crisis of expectations” — youth promised prosperity through education but facing structural stagnation.
  • Social media enables rapid mobilisation but weak organisational endurance, limiting tangible outcomes.

Implications

• Governance Challenge: States must address youth aspirations through inclusive growth and service delivery.
• Political Reforms: Need for democratic responsiveness and youth engagement.
• Security Dimension: Online radicalisation or unrest risk if grievances persist.
• Developmental Focus: Investment in education-to-employment linkages, digital literacy, and job creation.

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