Harry Potter and the Millennials: Research Methods and the Politics of the Muggle Generation

by Anthony Gierzynski

Without a doubt, the Harry Potter series has had a powerful effect on the Millennial Generation. Millions of children grew up immersed in the world of the boy wizard—reading the books, dressing up in costume to attend midnight book release parties, watching the movies, even creating and competing in Quidditch tournaments. Beyond what we know of the popularity of the series, however, nothing has been published on the question of the Harry Potter effect on the politics of its young readers—now voting adults.

Looking to engage his students in exploring the connections between political opinion and popular culture, Anthony Gierzynski conducted a national survey of more than 1,100 college students. Harry Potter and the Millennials tells the fascinating story of how the team designed the study and gathered results, what conclusions can and cannot be drawn about Millennial politics, and the challenges social scientists face in studying political science, sociology, and mass communication.

Genres: Nonfiction, Harry Potter, Politics, Sociology

Unknown Binding

First published May 29, 2013

Reviews

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

While certainly interesting and useful, it made the argument I expected it to make and that I probably could have made from a simple survey of my Harry Potter friends on Facebook, or attendance at my favorite con. The continual suggestion that many people are skeptical of the fact that literature/media shapes our politics, even those reading the book in question, seemed a little self-serving—stated in order to produce some sense of innovation about the book's argument which wasn't all that innovative. What is quite useful about it is the data it records, including their survey results and conclusions and direct testimonials from Potter fans. In addition, it was very clearly and lucidly written with the occasional moment of humor.

NB: This is completely nitpicky, but the authors state that the only time Harry uses violence is when he attempts to use the Cruciatus Curse on Bellatrix following Sirius' death in the fifth book. But Harry also uses Sectumsempra on Malfoy in the sixth book, a much more psychologically harrowing and morally impactful event for Harry.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides an interest look into how pop culture and social science can intersect. While the main research focus was on political views, the methods and approach taken were very inspiring for my own research.

I've found that in my own social science classes, pop culture is rarely (if at all) brought into the conversation. Harry Potter and the Millennials: Research Methods and the Politics of the Muggle Generation was a refreshing take on what is obviously present and influencing our lives, and how that presence can be measured.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little book is essentially the longer version of an research paper that might have been published in a scholarly journal. While the book was somewhat interesting to read through, it doesn't state anything unexpected. In general, it shows that Harry Potter fans are more liberal and more accepting of others than non-fans.

Granted, they conducted their research from 2009-11, only few years after the last Harry Potter book came out and while the movies were still being released. This book may have been more interesting and noteworthy to read back then, even if its claims may still have been mostly common sense (as they certainly are now). Nonetheless, it's nice to see the data backing up these claims and assumptions.

[kaylasbookishlife · Rating 5 out of 5]

My rating for this book is based on the fact that this book was released in 2013 so obviously if I had read it back then I would have thought it was really profound and a cool research project. While I still think those things I’m not as shocked or surprised by the results as I would have been if I had read this a few years ago. .
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This book studies students political and social leanings and determines that those who read Harry Potter books as children tended to be more liberal or left leaning in their social and political values i.e equality for all, women’s rights, etc. .
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I have definitely read many articles over the years that also have shown the results of this study and others like it and so while it was interesting to read I didn’t find anything too shocking. I also really enjoyed the charts in as it helped me see the data more clearly. .

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Harry Potter and the Millennials: Research Methods and the Politics of the Muggle Generation" is a great example of a book on research that remains accessible and engaging.

If you're interested in my thoughts on how the research sample was grouped and the impact that might have had on the results, you can read more here.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good look at the effects of media, specifically Harry Potter. No unexpected conclusions, really. Although I did wish they would have separated the data of those who read part of the series from those who hadn't read any. Would have been nice to see any differences that may have shown up there as well. But, overall, not as dry as I would expect a research paper to be. It was actually fairly entertaining to read.

[Randi Strauss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cool, if highly scholarly stylistic, read. Love this whole concept.

[Mills College Library]

823.914 G454 2013