Generational differences have dominated commentary around a number of key events in recent years.

In the EU referendum, the high share of leave voters among the 65+ age set and the strong remain vote among 18-24 year olds caused fury among the younger generation.

The 2017 election has also been seen this generational divide, as the youth vote ‘got it’s own back’ on Brexit. Young people were seen to be critical in the unexpected swing towards Labour as liberal young voters surged to the ballot box.

Tribes

Looking at the share of tribes for each age group, 18-24 year olds are most likely to fit within the two liberal tribes (56%), with a small share identifying with the more hostile segments of society (17%).

Among the 65s+, the most populous group (27%) is the culturally concerned, economically secure group. Meanwhile, a staggering 54% of 18-24 year olds say that Jeremy Corbyn best represents their views, while 42% of the 65s+ identify with Theresa May.

Views

But looking at specific issues the generational divide appears to be less clear. Both the older and younger age groups feel more optimistic than pessimistic about the future than the average person.

On immigration the young are more enthusiastic – 68% feel that it has been good for the country. But the majority of both generations feel that it has had a positive impact, putting the over-65s ahead of middle-aged groups in their support for immigration. The over-65s are only 6% more likely to feel that different ethnic groups don’t get on well than 18-24 year olds.

However, the old do seem more stuck in their ways about some things. This older age set is more sceptical about multiculturalism than the average person, and shows some resistance to learning about others.

63% of over 65s believe some people are too different to fit in, compared to just 23% of 18-24 year olds.

Islamophobia, Brexit

When it comes to specific groups the differences between generations and the cultural concerns of the over-65s become more apparent, and Islamophobia appears more common among the older generation.

Conversely, 18-24 year olds are likely to feel strongly that Muslims face too much discrimination and strongly reject notions that Islam poses a threat to the West.

On Brexit, the generational splits are clear. The over-65s are optimistic about Brexit: 77% believe we can thrive outside of the single market, while only 28% of under-25s agree. Most older voters believe leaving the single market is a price to pay to end free movement into the UK, while most under-25s reject that possibility.

The younger generation evidently fears the outcomes of Brexit, while the vast majority of over-65s would feel angered if the UK reversed its decision to leave the EU.

There is room for common ground between the generations, and age divides may not be as engrained as first thought. However, Brexit is clearly a huge factor separating the young from the old which could widen the gap as negotiations begin.