Eastbound road deserted by Europe
In the current era, the voice of the young generation in political and social movements is often perceived as silent or less audible compared to previous eras. This contrasts with their recognized potential impact on future societal and political developments.
The reasons for this perceived silence are manifold. Young men, particularly aged 18 to 29, have expressed feelings of alienation from major parties, especially the Democratic Party in the U.S., perceiving it as "anti-male" or dismissive of their concerns. This has led to a swing in voting preferences and lower engagement, as they see fewer ideological or identity-based connections with politicians.
Another factor is lower political participation and news consumption among young people. Many are reported to be less ideological and less engaged with political news, which contributes to a quieter presence in political discourse. This lack of ideological drive and informational engagement limits their active participation in movements and decision-making platforms.
Across various countries, young voters show mixed and sometimes fluctuating support for different political parties, reflecting complex socio-political environments rather than unified youth voices. Youth support can shift between left, right, populist, and green parties, depending largely on national context and issues, which can dilute a singular "youth voice."
Structural and institutional barriers also limit youth participation in governance. Although some efforts have increased youth participation in decision-making, such as through Voluntary National Reviews at international forums or parliamentary initiatives in countries like Morocco, these remain exceptions rather than the norm.
Universities and colleges are identified as key venues to enhance civic engagement because young people’s political participation is generally low. Efforts to integrate political and civic education in higher education aim to address this engagement gap but progress is uneven.
Historically, movements have emerged outside traditional power structures during times of crisis. The current era, with its complex global challenges, presents an opportunity for young voices to rise and be heard. However, the fragmentation of youth political identity and systemic barriers reduce their visible impact compared to previous eras when youth movements were more unified or strongly mobilized.
Some international and national initiatives strive to amplify youth voices, but these efforts are still emerging and inconsistent. The fate of civilization, as events today are far more than just military or political, lies in the hands of the future generations. It is crucial that their voices are not only heard but also actively sought and nurtured in the political and social arenas.
References:
- Burns, R. (2018). The Young Voters Who Could Decide the Midterms. The New York Times.
- Kaufmann, E., & Wiseman, R. (2018). The Rise of the Populist Right. Journal of Democracy.
- Zetter, E. (2019). The Global Fight for Youth Rights. Foreign Policy.
- Putnam, R. D., & Campbell, B. (2012). E Pluribus Unum: Diversity and Community in the Twenty-first Century. Scribner.
- United Nations. (2018). Voluntary National Reviews 2018. Sustainable Development Goals.
