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Voices in the Margins: Exploring the Link Between Discrimination and Adolescents’ Political Involvement

Author

Listed:
  • Philipp Kleer

    (Department of Political Science, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany)

  • Simone Abendschön

    (Department of Political Science, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany)

  • Gema García-Albacete

    (Department of Social Sciences, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Spain / Carlos III‐Juan March Institute, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Spain)

  • Lidia Núñez

    (Department of Social Sciences, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Spain / Carlos III‐Juan March Institute, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Spain)

  • David Sánchez

    (Department of Social Sciences, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Spain / Carlos III‐Juan March Institute, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Spain)

Abstract

Political interest is one of the main determinants of political participation. Understanding the development and the mechanisms involved in forming this crucial cognitive orientation is necessary for an enhanced understanding and a successful political integration of young people. We know that political interest starts forming at an early age and that this process depends on several social characteristics, i.e., socioeconomic and immigration background have proven to be a significant element. However, the direction of the differences in the political interest of adolescents with an immigrant background compared to native adolescents is disputed. At the same time, some studies present lower political interest levels for immigrant youth, and others found higher political interest levels. Our article explores whether these inconsistent findings are related to (a) different discrimination experiences and (b) the moderation effects of these discrimination experiences on one important correlate of political interest—social participation. We expect that experiences of discrimination represent an important determinant of political interest. Despite its importance, little attention has been paid to the mechanisms by which discrimination fosters political interest. We rely on data from the Children of Immigrants Longitudinal Survey in Four European Countries (CILS4EU), allowing us to account for a wide range of discrimination experiences of youth. We use linear regression models to examine the effect of discrimination experience on political interest. From our results, both discrimination experience and social participation positively affect youth’s political interest, but neither amplifies the other effect through suggested moderation.

Suggested Citation

  • Philipp Kleer & Simone Abendschön & Gema García-Albacete & Lidia Núñez & David Sánchez, 2025. "Voices in the Margins: Exploring the Link Between Discrimination and Adolescents’ Political Involvement," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 13.
    • Handle: RePEc:cog:poango:v13:y:2025:a:9309
    DOI: 10.17645/pag.9309
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Jörg Dollmann, 2022. "The Political Integration of Immigrants: How Pre- and Postmigration Contexts Matter," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 23(3), pages 1091-1125, September.
    2. Ellen Quintelier & Jan W. Deth, 2014. "Supporting Democracy: Political Participation and Political Attitudes. Exploring Causality Using Panel Data," Political Studies, Political Studies Association, vol. 62, pages 153-171, April.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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