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Youth Democratic Political Identity and Disaffection: Active Citizenship and Participation to Counteract Populism and Polarization in Barcelona

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  • Miquel Àngel Essomba

    (ERDISC Research Group, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra Campus, E-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain)

  • Maria Nadeu

    (ERDISC Research Group, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra Campus, E-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain)

  • Anna Tarrés

    (ERDISC Research Group, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra Campus, E-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain)

Abstract

Globally, youth satisfaction with democracy is declining—not only in absolute terms, but also relative to how older generations felt at the same stage in their lives. Young people’s democratic political identity is lower than any other age group. One can point to concrete factors to explain such declines—ranging from the growth of youth unemployment to the persistence of corruption and poverty in new democracies. Growing discontent with living conditions is taken advantage of by populist leaders. This populist rule—whether from the right or the left—has a highly negative effect on democratic political identities (especially on youth) and can lead to a significant risk of democratic erosion. Our research aims to explore the significance of youth identification with democracy, and their participation approaches as an alternative to the decline in democratic quality in Barcelona, Spain. Using quantitative data collection and analysis, in this article we present the first results of our research and suggest a path for further investigation.

Suggested Citation

  • Miquel Àngel Essomba & Maria Nadeu & Anna Tarrés, 2023. "Youth Democratic Political Identity and Disaffection: Active Citizenship and Participation to Counteract Populism and Polarization in Barcelona," Societies, MDPI, vol. 13(12), pages 1-13, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:13:y:2023:i:12:p:245-:d:1287556
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Matt Henn & Mark Weinstein & Sarah Forrest, 2005. "Uninterested Youth? Young People's Attitudes towards Party Politics in Britain," Political Studies, Political Studies Association, vol. 53(3), pages 556-578, October.
    2. Gustavo Gouvêa Maciel & Luís de Sousa, 2018. "Legal Corruption and Dissatisfaction with Democracy in the European Union," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 140(2), pages 653-674, November.
    3. Matt Henn & Mark Weinstein & Sarah Forrest, 2005. "Uninterested Youth? Young People's Attitudes towards Party Politics in Britain," Political Studies, Political Studies Association, vol. 53, pages 556-578, October.
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