A Culture Distracted, Devalued and Disenchanted?
Whether we are enlightened or disillusioned with the political arena, politics flow beyond the parliamentary walls and seeps into the public and private spheres of society. It manifests itself within the clothes we wear, the food we eat, the table we sit at when eating breakfast, or whether we can even afford to eat. Nonetheless, we live in a nation where young people feel disillusioned or perceive political-parties to be a separate entity from themselves (Agg, 2016).
The discourse surrounding young abstention made a re-emergence when Russell Brand famously declared voting was an inconsequential task (Democratic Audit UK, 2015). This sparked media frenzy as there was a fear that this mentality would discourage youth political participation. Whether you think this was reckless or revolutionary, disengagement with politicians runs reminiscent with the youth of today. The British Election Survey revealed in 2001 just 40% of 18-24 year olds voted, dipping to 38% in 2005, before indicating a slight improvement in 2010 with a 52% turnout.
(BBC Newsnight, 2013).
Young people in the UK remain the least likely subgroup to partake in what is arguably the democratic process (Berry & Dunleavy, 2016). The 2010 general elections not only displayed disparities in age, but education. Statistics highlighted 90% of the older population that voted obtained a degree or higher qualification, compared to the 44% of young individuals attaining lower qualifications (Berry & Dunleavy, 2016). However, can voting patterns among the young simply be a matter of education? 
I believe it is much more complex than just pointing fingers at a curriculum. Life outside school was also incapable of preparing and encouraging me to be politically engaged. I felt my social class and age couldn’t navigate its way through what seemed like the superior territory of politics. It wasn’t the case of apathy but rather a matter of worthiness. I knew when I looked out of my window that the existing system didn’t work for me and those around me. Even if I was handed the tools to repair the things that required change, I wouldn’t know how to use them. Like many young people when I was first eligible to vote I failed to even mark the day on my calendar. Apart from being distracted with ‘it’s just the way things are’ ideal (Brand, 2015), I felt that my voice couldn’t possibly resonate in an institution occupied by middle-aged men.
There continues to be no alternative power resembling and acknowledging a younger generation. Young people shy away from a voting system which is not only daunting, but faulty because it failed their parents before them. When seeking the solution to this phenomenon the question of responsibility arises. After all, in order to change something we must first grasp how the consciousness of young people is shaped by a culture (Cottle, 2001).
While the identity and values of British youth are accused of being eroded by celebrity culture and consumerism, the dominant, yet, insidious undercurrent of capitalism continues to impede voting decisions (Agg, 2016). It was no coincidence that after Tony Blair reinforced a “new capitalism” the political participation of youths declined and with that their hope (Foster & Stone, 2016). One thing capitalism and its advocate’s mask exceptionally well is their accountably for failing the younger generation (Jones, 2014).
When politicians inflict a system which serves the illusion of promise and prosperity for all, the unjust nature of current governance shifts responsibility and their power remains untarnished (Jones, 2014). “Feckless” youths become scapegoats for societal ills as capitalism encourages the ideals of self-governance and personal responsibility (Jones, 2012). Through these notions capitalism perpetuates individualism, equating self-interests like, material possessions and lucrative rewards with happiness and status. This isolates young people politically as they fight to fulfil never-ending desires instead of a system which preserves elitist interests.
A cultural and civic shift in politics is central when young people are increasingly becoming devalued by the traditional sources of power (Sloam, 2011). British youth feel distant from the ‘pale, male and stale’ political class (Democratic Audit UK, 2015). While there has been a plethora of efforts to engage young people, an obsolete and dissimilar structure continues to weaken youth participation (Pleyers, 2005). However, it is worth noting the disengagement in conventional politics appears to have led young people to the heart of grassroots movements (Democratic Audit UK, 2015). This social transformation is embedded within a new technological optimism, consumer boycotts and protests (Loader, et al, 2014). Although this disproves the association between youth and apathy, there are growing concerns when young people neglect traditional avenues (Loader & Mercea, 2011). While youths undergo alternative means of empowerment, a disruptive value is placed upon the traditional system and its outcomes (Loader & Mercea, 2011).
While young people avoid the route to the ballot box, Britain paves the way for unrepresentative consequences. These outcomes not only warrant disruptive affects upon a generation, but a nation. It becomes neglected as young people enter and shape a future that is characterised by uncertainty, distrust and disenchantment (Martin, 2012). It is apparent that youths hold a strong desire to politically engage outside the restrictive walls they are constrained in. If deprived from a systematic change, youth disengagement will prevail as they remain starved from ticking a box that gives them stability, freedom but most importantly change.
Bibliography
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