The dynamics of political identity and issue attitudes in adolescence and early adulthood

Abstract

This cohort-sequential longitudinal study among 1302 Dutch youths examined the dynamics of political identity (e.g., Democrat or Rightist) and issue attitudes between age 12 and 30. Some theories propose that voters form an identity early in life that subsequently determines attitudes. Other theories contrarily argue that attitudes are a cause of identity. However, research on this controversy has never focused on the crucial phase of adolescence. Results revealed that youths formed an identity consistent with prior attitudes more than vice versa. Highly educated youths most often adjusted their attitudes to their identity, which explained an emerging education gap in identity-attitude consistency. Finally, findings suggested that early cultural attitudes establish an identity that may subsequently determine economic attitudes.

“If You Disagree, Unfriend Me Now”: Exploring the Phenomenon of Invited Unfriending

“…To some extent, these most common reasons for inviting unfriending all invoke either acceptance or rejection of the poster him/herself. Certainly, both fandom [36] and political ideology [39] can be considered integral components of one's personal identity, and we would claim the same for one's behavior patterns (especially those related to civic engagement or equality). Consequently, this type of invitation perhaps connotes the idea that "if you don't like who I like, do what I do, or support the candidates I support, then you don't like me."…”

When less is more: On politicians’ attitudes to remuneration

“…However, in the context of our study, it is arguably too simplistic to reduce all differences between political parties to a single dimension, structured on differences regarding economic inequality. Clearly, the differences between political parties (and voters) encompass more than a single economic dimension (Flanagan and Lee ; Rekker et al ). Particularly relevant for our study is the advent of right‐wing populism.…”

“…Clearly, the differences between political parties (and voters) encompass more than a single economic dimension (Flanagan and Lee 2003;Rekker et al 2017). Particularly relevant for our study is the advent of right-wing populism.…”

“…Second, we address their attitudes through a perspective of political ideology and party affiliation. Political ideology is closely related to views on fairness regarding economic inequality and rewards (Bartels ; Rekker et al ). We therefore ask whether the different ideological positions of the political parties play a role for the politicians’ positions on personal remuneration.…”

“…Second, we address their attitudes through a perspective of political ideology and party affiliation. Political ideology is closely related to views on fairness regarding economic inequality and rewards (Bartels 2005;Rekker et al 2017).…”