Political apathy is a growing concern in democracies worldwide, with many citizens feeling disconnected and indifferent towards politics and political institutions. Even adolescents and young adults are not immune to this trend, exhibiting low participation rates in political activities and voting, particularly in Europe and North America.
A recent study by researchers from Florida Atlantic University sheds light on one of the significant factors contributing to this disaffection: parental attitudes about politics. The study, published in the Journal of Family Psychology, reveals that political disaffection spreads from parents to their adolescent children. Specifically, parents’ political alienation predicts an increase in political apathy among their adolescent children one year later, particularly in cases where parent-child relationships are warm and close.
THE METHOD
The study involved 571 German adolescents, along with their mothers and fathers, who completed questionnaires about their political alienation at two different time points, approximately one year apart. Adolescents in grades six, eight, and ten participated in the study. Interestingly, both mothers and fathers held equal influence in shaping adolescent attitudes about politics, and influence flowed in a one-way direction, with adolescents not affecting the political alienation of their parents.
THE ENCOURAGEMENT
These findings highlight a promising avenue to encourage political participation among young voters: targeting the political attitudes of those with whom they have close relationships, especially their parents. When adolescents are close to their parents, they are more likely to identify with them and be receptive to their political messages. Parental influence plays a significant role in shaping the political behaviour of adolescents, as they listen, engage in dialogue, and emulate their parents’ behaviours.
Political alienation, marked by distrust and lack of confidence in political systems and figures, can pose challenges for democracies, leading to low voter turnout when a significant portion of the electorate refrains from voting. Changing attitudes about politics is difficult, and many politically disaffected young adults continue to abstain from political participation, as they grow older.
The study also serves as a reminder of the dual nature of parental influence. While parents are positive socialization agents in many aspects, their attitudes and behaviours, even political ones, can spread to their children. The research underscores the importance of parents’ role in shaping the lives of their children, especially in families that are close-knit and warm. Attitudes toward politics exemplify the profound and lasting impact parents have on their children.
Understanding the connection between parental attitudes and adolescent political apathy can pave the way for targeted interventions and efforts to build a more engaged and politically active citizenry, fostering a healthier democracy in the process.