Political participation of young Europeans: the role of liberal values and democratic context

Abstract

When discussing politics and the youth, three conclusions are often taken for granted. First, that young people are insufficiently interested in politics. Second, that they are increasingly disengaged from conventional politics. And third, that they have created new spaces, through new forms and channels of participation, where they can express their views and interests. Although new forms of youth political participation have been extensively studied, their association with ideological self-understanding and attitudes towards minorities is only partially understood. However, increased activism, although normatively desirable, may be a double-edged sword if it is found disproportionally among youth with a questionable commitment to democracy and tolerance. The main question this article will try to answer is “Who is active among young people in Europe?” The analysis is based on the European Social Survey (ESS) data round IX (2018). Focusing on the participatory practices of young Europeans, the chapter explores associations of ideological orientations and attitudes related to minority groups and indicators of social context with different forms of political activism. Respondents’ more positive attitudes about LGBT rights, as well as liberal attitudes towards immigrants, are associated with greater participation in almost all forms of political participation. Democratic political context matters as well. Young people in more democratically developed countries relatively more often participate in campaigns, activities of civic society organizations, are politically active online, and boycott products