Examining and analyzing youth political participation. (c2012)

Abstract

Youth political participation is a fundamental factor in the formation and sustainability of democracy. In a country like Lebanon where politics is characterized by political hegemony of its sectarian elites, it is deemed important to examine youth engagement and voting behavior in the overall political process. Based on a survey conducted with more than one hundred university students aged 21-25, collected data is analyzed to test for voter participation behavior theories: socialization, socio-economic, psychological, mobilization, and rational choice. Empirical evidences point to correlations that explain youth political behaviors and reveal significant explanatory variables. Socio-economic, socialization, mobilization and rational choice indicators emerged salient in determining Lebanese youth political participation. Nevertheless, the findings suggest an overall lack in youth political engagement and widespread apathy, thus rendering proposals to lower the voting age from 21 to 18 as an insufficient stimulus for youth participation. Alternatively, a reformulation of political socialization and mobilization where youth can take on leading roles appear most critical in engaging the youth and vitalizing the political process.