Ciência-IUL
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Publication Detailed Description
Breaking with mainstream politics while engaging with polarized: Determinants of young Europeans’ support for democracy
Journal Title
Journal of Youth Studies
Year (definitive publication)
N/A
Language
English
Country
United Kingdom
More Information
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Abstract
It is quite consensual that the younger citizens exhibit higher – although objectively modest – scepticism about democracy and openness to undemocratic forms of government. Despite the ongoing debate about whether a process of deconsolidation is underway in liberal democracies, as well as about the role of young citizens in it, research has so far given little attention to finding out why younger people are more likely to turn away from democracy. Seeking to contribute to filling this gap, we focus on exploring the determinants of young Europeans' support for democracy and non-democratic forms of government, and the extent to which these determinants differ from that of older citizens. Our claim is that young people’s detachment from mainstream politics, as well as political and cultural polarization are crucial factors underlying that tendency. The findings generally support our expectations.
Acknowledgements
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Keywords
Diffuse support for democracy,Support for undemocratic political systems,Political detachment,Polarization,Young,Europe
Fields of Science and Technology Classification
- Sociology - Social Sciences
- Other Social Sciences - Social Sciences