What's Wrong with Democracy?
Episode 10: Why the kids don’t care
Jul 24, 2024
Viktor Valgardsson, a political participation researcher, John Burn-Murdoch, a data reporter at the Financial Times, and Jake Grumbach, an associate professor at UC Berkeley, dive into the concerning trends of youth voter disengagement. They discuss how young people feel alienated from mainstream politics despite high democratic standards in some regions. The guests explore generational divides, suggesting reforms like automatic voter registration and community engagement to encourage political participation among millennials and Gen Z.
38:46
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Quick takeaways
- Political apathy arises from young people's perceived detachment from traditional political parties, despite their stable interest in politics.
- Barriers to youth engagement include systemic issues in political institutions and a lack of relatable communication from representatives.
Deep dives
The Rise of Political Apathy Among Youth
Political apathy among young citizens has emerged as a significant issue, particularly in Scandinavian countries that are often idealized as models of democracy. Despite high living standards and generally stable political systems, many young voters in nations like Norway and Finland are increasingly disengaged from the electoral process. Research shows that while political interest among youth may be stable or rising, their motivation to vote has significantly declined. The apathy is contrasted with a growing disconnection from traditional political parties, which appear to fail in engaging this demographic effectively.
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