Understanding democratic perceptions and political participation among the younger generation in China's changing society: No news is good news for the Chinese government

Abstract

Objective The main objective of this article is to explore whether the current younger generation in China has different views of democracy and political behavior from those of previous generations. Methods Using the fourth wave of the Asian Barometer Survey (ABS IV), this study conducts systematic comparisons across the generations with respect to their attitudes toward democracy and political behaviors. Results and Conclusion This study indicates that Chinese youth tend to hold substance-based democratic conceptions, show a relatively lower level of commitment to liberal democracy, and demonstrate a higher level of satisfaction with the current situation of democratization in China than do their older counterparts. The generation of youngest adults is also less likely to turn out to participate in electoral activities and other forms of political action. These results demonstrate a generational decline in support for democracy and active political participation amid the authoritarian tendencies of China, reflecting the profound effect of early-life political socialization on political values and behaviors.