Homemade citizens: The development of political interest during adolescence and young adulthood

Abstract

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Perceived economic self-sufficiency: a country- and generation-comparative approach

“…While there are of course other factors that can influence socialisation, such as peers and other social groups (Quintelier 2013), in line with the extant literature, we emphasise the crucial role of the family for early socialisation, fundamental value orientations and first experiences that shape both lifestyles and life courses (e.g. Albacete 2014;Neundorf et al 2013;Abendschön and Tausendpfund 2017).…”

“…Families are arguably the most important socialising force when it comes to young people's economic and career outcomes. Such outcomes are not only closely linked to economic self-sufficiency, but also affect political attitudes and political participation (Albacete 2014;Neundorf et al 2013). …”

“…The second mechanism is about individual beliefs, where preferences are shaped by attitudes regarding acceptable degrees of societal inequality or poverty. Such attitudes are shaped by the family (Neundorf et al 2013;Albacete 2014), either through the transmission of values (Abendschön 2013) or the provision of financial support independent from the state (see Alesina and Giuliano 2011). Moreover, economic self-interest and beliefs are interrelated; individuals tend to justify their own status and the reality surrounding them (see Benabou and Tirole 2006).…”

“…Spells of unemployment early in life are likely to leave scars, which can also affect later employment prospects (Dvouletý et al 2018). Unemployment may also have an impact on political socialisation and patterns of political behaviour (Albacete 2014;Emmenegger et al 2017;Neundorf et al 2013).…”

The US Presidential Election of 2016 and the Political Socialization of 8th-Graders

“…While the political interest of adults is largely established (Prior, 2010), adolescents' political interest is malleable (Levy, Journell, He, & Towns, 2015;Neundorf, Smets, & García-Albacete, 2013). Adolescents' political interest certainly is influenced by parents Neundorf et al (2013), but classroom activities including discussions (Kahne, Crow, & Lee, 2013;Levy et al, 2016) can also enhance adolescents' political interest and activities.…”