In the United States, demographic influences, particularly socioeconomic status and education level, contribute significantly to political ideologies. Research indicates that individuals with higher education levels often lean more towards progressive ideologies, whereas those with lower education levels might lean conservative. However, how these characteristics interact with race and age can complicate the political landscape. For instance, within certain age demographics, the preferences of minority groups might differ markedly from those of the majority population.
Considering this complexity, which demographic characteristic is most likely to influence younger voters' alignment with progressive political ideologies in the 21st century?