Can young people stay politically engaged without becoming disillusioned with democracy?
Oct 11, 2023
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Philippa Collins, a Professorial Research Fellow at Western Sydney University, dives into the complexities of young political engagement. She explores the paradox of youth bearing the brunt of political decisions while lacking a voice. The discussion highlights growing disillusionment with traditional democracy, ageism, and the rising influence of young voters focused on climate change. Collins emphasizes the need for more inclusive political processes that reflect youth perspectives and the importance of issue-based activism to foster intergenerational solidarity.
The podcast highlights the disconnect between younger generations and political decision-making, emphasizing their lack of representation in democracy.
It discusses the potential for intergenerational solidarity through common goals, like climate justice, to foster a more inclusive political landscape.
Deep dives
Democracy's Evolving Crisis
Contemporary democratic politics face significant challenges, particularly highlighted by the recent Australian voice referendum. The ongoing discussions emphasize the fragile bonds of mutual regard and the moral underpinnings necessary for effective democracy. Many concerns arise regarding electoral processes and referenda, especially regarding binary voting outcomes that can silence dissent. The podcast delves into how modern democracy often fails to capture the interests and representation of younger generations, thus raising questions about its legitimacy.
Gerontocracy and Political Influence
The podcast highlights an emerging gerontocracy in politics, where older individuals dominate positions of power, potentially neglecting the interests of younger voters. This trend is exacerbated by the fact that older citizens possess greater wealth and political influence, while younger people increasingly struggle with issues like housing affordability and climate change. Furthermore, the perceptions around aging politicians, particularly in the U.S., contribute to rising fears about their competence and ability to govern effectively. Consequently, this growing age divide creates a skewed political landscape that seems unresponsive to the urgent needs of younger demographics.
Young People's Political Engagement
Despite some statistics suggesting low voter turnout among young people, there is a counter-narrative of increased engagement in political activism and issues, especially concerning climate change and social justice. The podcast underscores the importance of recognizing this engagement, which takes form in non-traditional ways outside established party politics and electoral frameworks. While many young individuals express skepticism towards formal democratic processes, their political activism reflects a yearning for recognition and inclusion in decision-making. This reality raises concerns about the perceived legitimacy of current political systems, which may feel increasingly irrelevant or exclusionary to younger generations.
Cross-Generational Political Involvement
The podcast discusses the potential for fostering intergenerational solidarity as a means to address contemporary democratic issues. It suggests that movements like the climate justice campaign exemplify how different age groups can unite around common goals, despite their varying motivations and political views. By analyzing collaborative efforts, such as community actions and local initiatives, the conversation emphasizes the need to bridge divides and enhance mutual understanding among generations. This cross-generational collaboration can serve as a pathway toward cultivating a more inclusive and dynamic political environment that incorporates diverse perspectives.
One of the great paradoxes of democracy is that those who will have to bear the consequences of the political decisions we make now have little-to-no say in the decision-making process itself.
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