Anyone who has studied revolutionary politics at any length is familiar with the concept of the J-curve. The name comes from a graphic depiction of an increase in national economic performance, followed by a decline. The gist of the concept is that rising, but then frustrated expectations lead to political instability and violence.
From what I have read and experienced, Gen Z is at the end of a vector of individualism and entitlement that began with the Baby Boomers. According to the NYT, they even shock millennials with their demands in the workplace. They believe that an emotionally, intellectually, and financially rewarding job is their birthright. They rebel against employers who refuse to provide it.
The problem is, we need more plumbers, electricians, and construction workers, not social media influencers. What is going to happen to the overeducated, highly indebted, and underemployed members of Gen Z when their expectations of the dollar store economy are unrealized? Are they simply going to agree to live with the constraints on the economy that are a key part of the McConnell Project, or are they going to lash out at the workings of the political system itself?
I would bet on (b). It isn’t going to be pretty.