How to Get More Young People in the UK Involved in Politics - Coursework Example

It is noticed that youth across the world, are interested in doing those activities, which they think are good for them and which give them the opportunity to call themselves as a “good citizens”. Some of these activities include voting, watching the news, party activism, sending emails to government websites, attending meetings in the town hall, volunteering, or addressing envelopes for civic organizations , to name a few (Banaji, 2008). However, in their effort to become “good citizens”, certain activities indulged by the youngsters such as distrust and dissatisfaction, (legitimate, as per them), as well as group anger, cynicism and unsanctioned protest are in direct contrast with the civic path they are supposed to follow.

While analyzing the scenario prevailing in UK, one gets the feeling that young people are alienated from politics (Henn et al., 2002). The view held by some people is that it is a direct reflection of a wider malaise prevailing in the society. The study conducted on the youngsters and first time voters of UK, gives an impression that young people are definitely interested in political matters as they affect them directly. They are also supportive of democratic process of working of the government.

What really puts them off is the kind of work the elected representative end up doing, which is in total contrast with their expectations and they feel skeptic about the whole process of elections. The general feeling is that young people in the UK are increasingly disinterested in ‘conventional politics’. This has been illustrated by the alarmingly low turnout of 18–24 year olds in the 2001 and 2005 general elections as well as in the shrinking and ageing memberships of political parties.

Yet, young people remain interested in politics (broadly defined) and are active in alternative modes of political participation. The problem is not, therefore, political apathy, but alienation from the political system.  A debate in the government and public throws up some interesting findings. It shows that youngsters are “apathetic free – riders “and would like to enjoy the benefits and privileges of citizenship, without doing their primary duty of voting. (Marsh et al., 2007). The reason for this apathy is clearly due to extremely low level of political literacy.

This can be corrected by the Government by making sure that citizenship lessons are introduced compulsorily at school level and also explaining to youngsters the meaning and ease of voting. The findings of David Marsh et al., (2007) conclude that young people per se are not apathetic but sincerely believe that their interests and worries are taken care of by the elected representatives. Due to this reason they tend to refrain in taking active part in mainstream politics. One remedy suggested is to employ adult support workers and develop organizations that can outlast the commitment of their initial participants.

 With the help and support of elderly and those who are in the thick and thin of the politics, the picture can be clarified to they youngsters and their doubts can also be cleared. The other suggestions are to actively involve youngsters, from their school level to take part in the democratic process of elections. Establishing youth parliaments means grappling with processes and mechanisms in new territory. For example, elections for school council can be held and students can be asked to participate in the process.

This would give them first hand idea and information how the democracy functions. Their own views of improving the conditions