What makes this different from past recessions is the who, the why, and critically, the when.
Historically, spending pullbacks were reactive responses to obvious economic shocks - everyone tightened belts together after something big broke. This time, women aren't just responding to economic indicators - they're anticipating them.
Something is happening here that goes beyond data analysis. Women might be using their intuitive planning default - that constant mental modeling of 'what if' scenarios that comes with managing households - to get ahead of what's coming. While economists debate recession timing, women are already stress-testing their budgets against worst-case scenarios.
This isn't just belt-tightening; it's economic foresight. The 43% of Gen Z women actively opting out of the economy aren't reacting to a crisis - they're preparing for one they sense is coming. That intuitive planning mechanism that helps women juggle childcare schedules and anticipate family needs? It's now being applied to macroeconomic survival.
Great share, but also frightening. Do you have a sense of how this compares to spending pullbacks in the past?
Great question Andy!
What makes this different from past recessions is the who, the why, and critically, the when.
Historically, spending pullbacks were reactive responses to obvious economic shocks - everyone tightened belts together after something big broke. This time, women aren't just responding to economic indicators - they're anticipating them.
Something is happening here that goes beyond data analysis. Women might be using their intuitive planning default - that constant mental modeling of 'what if' scenarios that comes with managing households - to get ahead of what's coming. While economists debate recession timing, women are already stress-testing their budgets against worst-case scenarios.
This isn't just belt-tightening; it's economic foresight. The 43% of Gen Z women actively opting out of the economy aren't reacting to a crisis - they're preparing for one they sense is coming. That intuitive planning mechanism that helps women juggle childcare schedules and anticipate family needs? It's now being applied to macroeconomic survival.
That is fascinating. Terrifying. But fascinating.