The Ben Shapiro Show

Episode 2276 – DISASTER: Gen Z Hates Babies, Likes Socialism
Date: September 9, 2025
Host: Ben Shapiro

Overview

In this episode, Ben Shapiro discusses recent polling data that paints a bleak picture of Generation Z's priorities, particularly their lack of interest in marriage and having children, and a growing affinity for socialism. Shapiro links these trends to broader societal and cultural failures, critiques left-leaning politics and criminal justice policies, and highlights developments in economic and foreign affairs. He mixes data analysis, cultural commentary, and pointed criticism, maintaining his rapid-fire, blunt, and often sarcastic tone throughout.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Gen Z’s Priorities: Family, Marriage, and Children in Decline

[02:02–13:50]

• New NBC Poll Data: Gen Z (ages 18–29) ranks “having a fulfilling career” and “making enough money” as top life priorities, while marriage and children rank near the bottom—10th and 11th for women; 7th and 8th for men.
  • Ben’s Core Argument: This signals a "gigantic mistake" and societal decline, as strong families underpin society.
• Religious & Cultural Foundation: Cites Genesis, explaining marriage and procreation as central to a meaningful life.
  • “Any society that does not make its number one focus...getting married and having kids, is a society that is doomed to failure.” (Ben Shapiro, 04:04)
• Critique of Individualism: Shapiro calls contemporary priorities “hedonistic personal fulfillment”—insufficient for true happiness.

2. Gender and Political Divides in Polling

[13:51–22:45]

• Men vs Women / Trump Voters vs Harris Voters:
  • Trump voters (both genders) rank family slightly higher—but even among them, financial and career goals often outrank marriage and children.
  • Kamala Harris voters of both genders overwhelmingly prioritize career and money, with only 6–11% placing family high.
• Critique of Feminism: Shapiro blames feminism for teaching women to devalue motherhood:
  • “Convincing women that their magical superpower...that’s the last thing that you’re about? No, it actively is not.” (Ben Shapiro, 23:07)
• Consequences: Shapiro warns this shift leads to widespread societal unhappiness and increased political radicalism.

3. Socialism on the Rise Among Young Americans

[23:45–27:40]

• Gallup Poll Data: 49% of 18–34-year-olds have a positive view of socialism (higher than capitalism).
• Connection to Fulfillment: He argues that lack of fulfillment from careerism leads young people to blame economic systems, increasing socialism’s appeal.
  • “You cannot fill that family-shaped hole in the heart with cash. It is not possible to do it. You can’t.” (Ben Shapiro, 06:44)
• Warning: Shapiro predicts the erosion of family and community bonds leaves capitalism on “shoddy footing” and susceptible to leftist revolution in times of economic downturn.

4. Economic Concerns & Political Ramifications

[27:40–30:45]

• State of the Economy: Weak labor market numbers, housing market slowdown indicated by falling lumber prices, and worries about policy interventions under Trump.
• Danger for the Right: Shapiro warns conservatives not to get complacent, noting that “things can change very quickly,” especially if the economy stagnates.

5. Crime, Criminal Justice, and Leftist Policy Failures

[43:31–39:59]

• Charlotte Stabbing Case: Details the tragic murder of a Ukrainian refugee by a repeat offender recently released on cashless bail.
• Critique of “Compassion Politics”: Shapiro blasts progressive criminal justice reforms as “ideological evil,” emphasizing that “freeing violent criminals onto the streets out of a misplaced sympathy for them is cruelty to the innocent.”
• Trump’s Statement on the Case: (31:10)
  • “If we don’t handle that, we don’t have a country.” — Donald Trump

6. Political Voices on Crime & Immigration

[33:23–41:40]

• Zoran Mamdani (D, NYC Council): Advocates for reducing jail populations and abolishing the NYPD gang database.
  • Shapiro’s response: Calls Mamdani and similar leftists “scavengers” who “have not produced a single thing of value.”
• Democratic Leaders’ Responses: Plays and critiques soundbites from Rahm Emanuel, Hakeem Jeffries, Jasmine Crockett, and others, accusing Democrats of being soft on crime and illegal immigration.

7. Celebrity Culture’s Influence on Gen Z

[44:50–47:26]

• Example: MTV VMAs: Shapiro mocks performances by Sabrina Carpenter, which featured drag queens and “protest” themes, as emblematic of “libertinism and social leftism.”
• Ariana Grande’s Quote:
  • “Thank you to my therapists and gay people. I love you.” (Ariana Grande, 47:12)
• Shapiro’s Take: Criticizes the celebration of LGBTQ+ identification and therapy culture as shallow substitutes for meaningful life purpose.
  • “That is why we should take all our moral and political guidance from them.” [sarcastic] (Ben Shapiro, 47:26)

8. Hollywood, Activism, and Israel

[47:27–53:17]

• Hollywood Boycott of Israel: Notes open letters and pledges to boycott Israeli institutions, signed by actors and filmmakers, equating Israel to “apartheid.”
• Shapiro’s Rebuttal: Lambasts Hollywood and leftists for siding with “the world’s worst human beings,” claims boycott participants are historically and morally ignorant.

9. US & International Politics: Policing, Immigration, and Anti-Israel Activism

[53:18–56:46]

• NYC Politics: Mamdani’s push to divest city pensions from Israel.
• Democratic Party’s Mixed Messages: Senator Kirsten Gillibrand claims most Democrats are pro-Israel—Shapiro calls this a lie.
• Left Activism Overseas: Highlights British and French left-wing protestors—connects political dysfunction in France to multiculturalism and leftist policies.

10. Epstein “Non-Revelations”

[56:46–58:40]

• Epstein Birthday Book: Discusses the “big reveal” of a Trump-signed birthday letter in Jeffrey Epstein’s collection, dismissing it as “an op” with no substance—as more media hysteria than meaningful scandal.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Modern Priorities:
  • “You cannot fill that family-shaped hole in the heart with cash. It is not possible to do it. You can’t.” (Ben Shapiro, 06:44)
• On Feminism & Motherhood:
  • “Convincing women that their magical superpower … that’s the last thing that you’re about? No, it actively is not.” (Ben Shapiro, 23:07)
• On Societal Fulfillment:
  • “The thing that gives fulfillment in life to human beings is getting married and having kids.” (Ben Shapiro, 07:05)
• On Socialism vs. Capitalism:
  • "Ain’t no socialist program ever generated wealth. All socialist programs can do is try to redistribute the wealth.” (Ben Shapiro, 25:30)
• On Left-wing Crime Policy:
  • “Freeing violent criminals onto the streets out of a misplaced sympathy for them is cruelty to the innocent.” (Ben Shapiro, 42:08)
• On Celebrity Influence:
  • “This seems like a deeply happy and fulfilled human being, as most of our celebrities are. And that’s why we should take all of our moral and political guidance from them.” [sarcastic] (Ben Shapiro, 47:26)

Notable Timestamps

• [02:02] – Introduction to Gen Z poll data
• [09:30] – What fulfillment really means in Shapiro’s view
• [13:51] – Analysis of different priorities by gender and political affiliation
• [23:45] – Data on socialism vs. capitalism among young Americans
• [27:40] – U.S. economic indicators and risk to right-wing politics
• [31:10] – Trump’s statement on Charlotte crime tragedy
• [33:23] – Zoran Mamdani advocating reduced jail populations
• [39:26] – Congressional debate on federal law enforcement and crime
• [44:50] – Breakdown of MTV VMAs and cultural messaging
• [47:12] – Ariana Grande’s thank you to “my therapists and gay people”
• [47:27] – Hollywood’s call to boycott Israel
• [53:18] – International protests and anti-Israel activism
• [56:46] – Media’s Epstein-Trump “revelations”

Conclusion

Ben Shapiro frames Generation Z’s attitudes towards family and economics as symptoms of deep societal problems rooted in the left’s cultural influence and policy failures. He contends that only a return to traditional values can counter rising disaffection and the lure of socialism. The episode is dense with critique, peppered with humor and sarcasm, particularly targeting political opponents and cultural icons.

Note: This summary captures Shapiro’s perspective. It may not represent the views or factual accuracy of all claims made within the episode.