Myth busted: Nostalgia for a “better” past isn’t just a Boomer thing

In recent years, the phrase “OK Boomer” has become somewhat of a shorthand for younger generations to dismiss attitudes and values they see as outdated or resistant to social change. It reflects a belief that nostalgia for a “better past” is mainly a trait of the Boomer generation, i.e., those aged 60 and older.

Yet, the Allianz Foundation Next Generations Study shows that this assumption does not fully hold. 28% of Gen Z and Millennials in France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain express support for regressive values in their longing for a past marked by fewer rights for migrants, traditional gender roles and more national pride.

The reality is therefore more complex: not all young adults are pushing for openness and inclusion. Understanding who these “nostalgic” young people are, and why they feel this way, is critical for anyone working to strengthen democracy across Europe.

What are “regressive values”?

Idealising a “glorified past”

Regressive values reject diversity and gender equality, idealizing a “glorified past.” Respondents who share these values support the following statements:

“Social and cultural minorities have too much influence.”
“You can’t be proud of our country without being condemned.”
“A return to traditional values is necessary to preserve cultural identity.”
“Politicians should support traditional gender roles and family structures.”

While these attitudes do not constitute a direct attack democratic institutions, they undermine the social norms and shared values that democracy depends on. Regressive visions of society define certain groups as undesirable “others” and shrink the idea of who belongs to “the people” democracy is meant to serve.

The numbers behind the myth

of young Europeans agree with all four of these regressive statements.

Country differences

Young people in France and Poland are most likely to hold regressive values. Italy shows the lowest support.

Who holds regressive views?

Age matters

One-third of 33-to-39-year-olds in the five countries show regressive values, compared with far fewer of their younger peers and about on par with older generations.

Gender matters

Men are more likely than women to hold regressive views – 32% vs. 24% - and the contrast becomes starker when looking at age and gender together: Nearly 38% of men in their late thirties hold regressive values, compared with just 17% of young women in their late teens and early twenties.

Males in late 30sFemales in late teens & early 20s

hold regressive views

Political orientation matters most

Nearly 50% of right-leaning
23% of centrists and
12% of left-leaning

youth and young adults in Europe hold regressive values.

"While regressive views don’t call for dismantling elections or democratic institutions, they undermine the inclusiveness and diversity that European democracies aspire to uphold."
Dr. Simon Morris-Lange, Head of Research at the Allianz Foundation

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Download the Second Allianz Foundation Next Generations Study here.

Second Allianz Foundation Next Generations Study

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