The importance of political engagement and participation is deemed critical to the existence of a ‘a functioning and healthy democracy’. Both globally and nationally, participation of young people within the western hemisphere are decreasing and raising serious concerns. Arising from this is the question of whether this is a case of ‘apathy or alienation?’.
Research by The Elderman Trust Barometer and The Future Generation Commission highlights the lack of trust by today’s youth.
Calling for 'Greater engagement in the democratic process, a stronger citizen voice and active participation in decision making. Only 15% of 18 – 24-year olds in the UK trust government to put the needs of the people first’. The Future Generations Commission, 2018.
Social class and levels of education are highly influencing factors in influencing and determining political participation and understanding. ‘Those from predominantly middle class and professional households are much more interested than those from broadly working-class backgrounds’ (Henn and Foard, 2013p. 374). There are barriers that exist and need to be understood in Wales. The Higher Education entry rate within Wales is 37.5%, in comparison to England where it is 42.5% (Social Mobility Report, 2017). Denoting the need for research and action to be taken to prevent less advantaged young Welsh people from flourishing.
Youth from lower income, disadvantaged geographical areas may lack both the internal and external acumen to engage politically. Those of us who are fortunate enough to enter into higher education are more likely to undergo ‘political socialisation’. This is a major contribution to enable confidence in the democratic process. Social status and people on low incomes do not feel they play or have an equal say.
Political scandals of fraud and corruption such as in the case of the MP’s expenses has led to disillusionment, supporting the sense ‘that all politicians are the same’. Within Wales, analysis of the Brexit vote identified that the referendum was used as a scapegoat to vent the anger and frustration of those who feel ‘left behind’.
Recent events such as ‘Youthquake, 2017 and the ‘Peoples Vote March’ would seem to indicate that for many it is not a case of being apathetic but alienated, from traditional, formal means of political engagement. However, the majority of those taking part were likely to be from ‘middle-class households, already engaged within Higher Education, confident in their political knowledge and their democratic right to protest.
It is those from lower social backgrounds, especially in areas of high deprivation in Wales’ that are of concern. Here there is a lack of understanding between the ‘political elite’ and those that they are said to represent.
‘There is a need for serious PR work in order for politicians to overcome issues of distrust in particular with young people’ (Henn and Foard, 2012).