Changes in the Political Culture of Young East and West Germans Between 1992 and 2003. Results of the DJI Youth Survey1

Abstract

This article focuses on the question whether young people's attitudes to politics in both parts of Germany have become more similar or are still different in relevant aspects. The concept of political culture is used as the theoretical framework. Reference is made to gender, age and level of education. Data from the three waves (1992, 1997 and 2003) of the ‘DJI Youth Survey’ carried out by the German Youth Institute (DJI) are analysed. Each wave was based on personal interviews with approximately 7000 16- to 29-year olds. The text first describes the political involvement of young people, secondly the acceptance of democracy and, thirdly, satisfaction with the reality of democracy and trust in political or state institutions, as well as in politicians. The results show clear differences in some aspects of the political culture of young people in the Western and Eastern ‘Länder’ of Germany, particularly less satisfaction with the reality of democracy in the East. In other aspects the political attitudes have become more similar, especially trust in institutions. However, the political involvement of young people is largely the same in the East and West, i.e. in this respect no change has occurred.