Young people and political engagement- Where are we at?
Fighting for your right to party? Or your right to political freedom?
Youth political participation and involvement has never looked so good. With high interaction levels amongst young people in democratic societies, us now having a new-found power and responsibility. Unlike in the past, people between the ages of 18-24 are realising the effect their involvement in politics can have on society and legislative procedures. Despite much of the population overlooking young voters, as well as our inputs to current affairs, we aren’t backing down anymore, and the influence that has is certainly undeniable. However, if this is proved by numerous positive outcomes, how can we address the real issues regarding ageism?
There are countless theories and perceptions surrounding young people in regards to the political agenda, many of which continue to follow the stereotype that young people steer clear of any involvement in political matters (Keating, and Melis, 2017). Not only is this a damaging, ageist approach to the matter, it is entirely inaccurate according to recent research. We can apply this to an issue currently affecting people of all ages in the United Kingdom: The EU Referendum, better known as Brexit. There was indeed an age divide between millennials and the older generations, where age really impacted the voting intentions of those involved. The majority of those who voted aged between 18-24 had voted remain- a whopping 71% (Kingman 2017). Alternately, age was not the reason to attribute differing voters intentions. Despite the rise in political involvement from the younger generation, we seem to remain the least important demographic when decisions are made concerning our future in the U.K.. the right-wing institution of politics and legislation constantly dismiss the needs and demands made by a certain age group, which eventually leads to a feeling of desertion on behalf of the government, further encouraging young people to abandon their principles and actually reject mainstream politics (Marsh, O ́Toole, and Jones, 2006). This acts as a driving force between us getting involved with political matters such as voting or protests.
It’s a misconception frequently made that young people nowadays have less and less political involvement. In reality, we have never been more drawn to matters we could have a say in. Perhaps the issue is, young people are collectively realising that our voices are not being heard: they are refusing to hear them. As can be seen in the graph below, consisting of the 2019 General Election turnout, since 1992, turnout has fallen, however, is slowly rising again. Is this a sign that people are losing faith in the power of democracy? Is this an acknowledgement of being silenced by our government.
(General Election 2019: full results and analysis, 2022)
In the graph below it is shown that the younger population of voters that took part in the 2015 general election had only made up 11% of all the votes received, whilst votes of the older generation equated to a reasonable 23%. It’s certainly disproportionate. Although decisions made by the government, as well as legislative procedure, will certainly have a greater impact on the future of youths, it appears that those who won’t be as affected by them regarding the future, are either greater in numbers regarding political activity, care more for democratic involvement, or obtain a more validated view. This raises various questions, including, “is voting the only form of political involvement which can demand change?”.
Barford, V. (2017)
A reason for the large difference in poll numbers amongst age groups which is often disregarded involves a somewhat intersectional approach. Minority groups do not have the same access to materials needed to make informed choices in relation to voting in particular; whether they feel unable to due to a lack of education or comfort concerning the subject, or simply cannot do so (Barford, V., 2017).
Relating to the EU Referendum, once again, it was seen that the younger population who partook in the election by directly, formally voting, they showed great preoccupation concerning the economy as a key policy (Kingman, 2017). Polls had found that the negotiations being made in parliament regarding Brexit were being followed by the majority of 18-24 year olds, a tremendous 88%. A particular idea held by The Labour Party, appeared popular and appealing to young people, where there was a possibility of a ‘soft Brexit’- contemporary propositions attracted the attention as well as support of the age group; 62% of 18-24 year olds voted for The Labour Party (Sloam & Ehsan, 2017).
There are so many different ways of being politically involved today, and young people are using every way in attempt to make our voices heard, and arouse attention for issues that appear to have been brushed aside. This includes the reintroduction of petition signing, writing letters to local MP’s and the government and demonstrating solidarity through protesting. A new concept of political involvement has risen, through the use of social media. Unlike the other forms of political activism, people are now making the realisation that along with a few negatives, there are so many positive uses for social media, one of these being that, anyone has the ability to increase the chance of a positive result, by having access to a much wider audience, from anywhere in the world. Further, it gives people using the platform a voice, which can be heard without the fear of being judged or discriminated against; there is a somewhat united front for those who share similar ideologies (Keating & Melis, 2017).
Despite many attempts to understand the perception young people obtain in regards to formal political institutions, alongside their thoughts on the institution in itself, elections and parties. As mentioned previously, there is a distorted view of the political participation of youths, that there is a rise in the number of ‘disengaged’ or uninterested people in the new generation, going so far to point out a disinterest in the subject, entirely (Heath and Park, 1997; Park, 2000).
You may be asking, how can we move forward? How can we make a change? Well, we are finally beginning to have our voice be heard, and demand respect. There are numerous new ways to be politically educated and involved. Ways which we mustn’t forget. We have a bigger effect than we realise- we have to practice our democratic liberation and freedom and speak up! Do not settle for ageism, in trade for your autonomy.
Bibliography:
Keating, A. and Melis, G. (2017) Social Media and Youth Political Engagement: Preaching to the converted or providing a new voice for youth?. The British Journal of Politics and International Relations. Vol 19(4), pp.877-894. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1177%2F1369148117718461 (Accessed 13th February 2022).
Kingman, D. (2017). Generation Remain: Understanding the Millenial Vote. [online] http://www.if.org.uk/. Available at: http://www.if.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Generation-Remain_final_October_2017.compressed.pdf [Accessed 13 Feb. 2022].
Marsh, D., O ́Toole, T. and Jones, S., (2007) Young people and politics in the UK: Apathy or alienation?. Palgrave Macmillan: Basingstoke.
www.commonslibrary.parliament.uk. 2022. General Election 2019: full results and analysis. [online] Available at: <https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-8749/> [Accessed 15 February 2022].
Barford, V. (2017) Election 2017: If more young people actually voted, would it change everything?. Available at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2017-39965925 (Accessed 15th February 2022)
Sloam, J. and Ehsan, M. (2017). Youth Quake: Young People and the 2017 General Election. [online] http://www.if.org.uk. Available at: http://www.if.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Youth-Quake_Final.pdf [Accessed 15 Feb. 2022].