The Young and Cynical. Measurement, Characteristics and Consequences of Political Cynicism among Dutch Youth

Abstract

Abstract

The rising level of political cynicism in many established democracies has spurred the debate on potential detrimental consequences of the phenomenon for democracy and society. This study aims to contribute to this discussion by introducing a new measure of political cynicism. Furthermore, we analyse its characteristics and consequences among Dutch youth, and find that young political cynics are cynical in general, disgusted with politics, negative about the state of affairs in their country, less religious, have a lower educational level, and less political knowledge. Contrary to expectations expressed in the literature, we only find a small significant negative relationship between political cynicism and intention to vote, and no significant relationship with political activity.

Keywords: political cynicism – political attitudes – conceptualization – measurement – political participation – youth

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Bibliography: Schyns, Peggy: The Young and Cynical. Measurement, Characteristics and Consequences of Political Cynicism among Dutch Youth, PCS, 2-2014, pp. 130-153. https://doi.org/10.3224/pcs.v5i2.20816