Academics Concerned About Voter Apathy In Young People

Summary

A study on Jamaican voting behavior reveals that the 65-74 age group has the highest voter turnout, viewing voting as a civil duty. In contrast, 18-24-year-olds are more deliberative, seeking tangible improvements before voting. Young people's apathy stems from a lack of faith in political parties and a desire for deliverables. Political commentator Nadine Spencer criticizes political parties for failing to attract new members and educate the public on political participation.

Takeaways

• 📊 Globally, the age group 65 to 74 has the highest voter turnout, while 18 to 24 has the lowest.
• 👵 Older voters are more conservative and view voting as a civic duty, driven by tradition and obligation.
• 👱 Younger voters are more deliberative and pragmatic, focusing on tangible improvements and results rather than ideological beliefs.
• 🤔 Young people's voter apathy may stem from a loss of faith in political parties and a desire for deliverables.
• 📉 The lack of social and economic transformation in Jamaican society could contribute to youth voter apathy.
• 🏛 Political commentator Nadine Spence suggests that politics is perceived as a middle-aged person's sport, deterring younger participation.
• 📉 Political parties are criticized for not effectively attracting new members or explaining how to participate in politics.
• 🏫 There is a lack of civic education about the electoral process, leading to unfamiliarity among young people.
• 🌐 Globally, political parties are seen as failing to represent the population and not offering compelling reasons to vote.
• 🔍 Young voters are looking for active ways to add their voice and have their identities reflected in political institutions.

Q & A

What was the focus of the recent study on Jamaicans' voting behaviors?

The study focused on understanding the factors that drive Jamaicans to participate in the electoral process.

Who shared the findings of the study on Jamaicans' voting behaviors?

The findings were shared by local political commentator and assistant lecturer at the University of the West Indies, Mona Damon Gordon.

What is the global trend regarding the age group with the highest voter turnout?

Globally, the age group 65 to 74 records the highest level of voter turnout.

Why are older voters more likely to participate in voting?

Older voters are more conservative and see voting as a civil duty, which they perform out of a sense of obligation.

How do younger voters approach voting compared to older voters?

Younger voters are more deliberative, progressive, and pragmatic about voting, focusing on tangible improvements and results rather than ideological or philosophical reasons.

What is a key reason for voter apathy among young people according to Mr. Gordon?

Young people may have lost faith in political parties and are looking for deliverables and tangible improvements in their lives.

What does Nadine Spence believe is the reason for the lack of youth participation in politics?

Nadine Spence believes that politics is perceived as a middle-aged person's sport and that political parties are not doing a good job of attracting new membership or teaching people how to participate.

What is one of the responsibilities of political parties in a democracy according to the transcript?

Political parties have the responsibility to bring new people into politics and ensure their offerings are attractive enough for people to want to vote.

What is one of the issues with the electoral process as highlighted by Nadine Spence?

The electoral process does not adequately teach people about politics, how to participate, or how their identities can be reflected in the institutions.

What is the implication of the political system on young voters' attitudes towards voting?

The political system's limited social and economic transformation has made young voters more skeptical and less inclined to accept promises without seeing results.

What does the transcript suggest as a solution to increase youth participation in the electoral process?

The transcript suggests that political parties need to do more to attract new members and educate the public about politics and the electoral process.