Political Participation Research Articles

The socializing nature of protest events. Consequences of the 15-M protests on participants’ political engagement over time

ABSTRACT In spite of the widespread belief that firsthand experience with protest is able to change participants’ hearts and minds, the empirical evidence tracking actual changes after participation in protest events is scant and mixed. We examine whether participation in significant protest events increases political engagement in terms of both attitudes (interest, internal efficacy) and behaviors (later participation in demonstrations, overall political participation), and whether these effects persist over time. We use a unique panel survey that covers nine years (2010–2019) and tracks individuals before and after the major protests that took place in Spain in 2011, known as the Indignados or 15-M protests. Our results indicate that participating in the 15-M protests had a positive effect on all the studied political engagement indicators immediately after the protests and, in particular, about two years after they occurred. However, eight years after the protest events, most of these effects had faded.

Navigating multilingual identities: The role of languages in shaping social belonging and political participation

This paper explores the complex interplay between multilingual identities, social belonging, and political participation. It delves into how individuals navigate their multilingual identities within different social and political contexts and how they influence their sense of belonging and engagement in civic life. The research aims to shed light on how languages serve as bridges and barriers in social integration and political activism. Multilingualism is a complex phenomenon that plays a crucial role in shaping individuals' identities, social interactions, and political engagement. This Review explores the role of languages in shaping social belonging and political participation, highlighting how multilingual individuals navigate their identities in diverse linguistic and cultural contexts. Multilingual individuals often develop multifaceted identities shaped by their proficiency in multiple languages and experiences in multilingual environments. These identities are dynamic and fluid, influenced by language use, cultural background, and social context. Multilingualism allows individuals to express different aspects of their identity, negotiate cultural differences, and navigate complex social landscapes. Languages play a crucial role in shaping social belonging by providing individuals with a sense of connection to their communities and cultures. Multilingual individuals often use different languages to communicate with different social groups, reinforcing their sense of belonging and cultural identity. Additionally, languages can serve as markers of cultural heritage, allowing individuals to maintain and celebrate their linguistic and cultural diversity. Furthermore, languages also play a significant role in shaping political participation. Multilingual individuals often use their language skills to engage in political discourse, advocate for their rights, and participate in democratic processes. Language can serve as a tool for empowerment, enabling individuals to voice their opinions, mobilize communities, and influence political outcomes. In conclusion, multilingualism is a dynamic and multifaceted phenomenon that shapes individuals' social belonging and political participation. By exploring the role of languages in shaping identities and facilitating social and political engagement, this Review provides insights into the complex interplay between language, identity, and society. Understanding the role of languages in shaping social belonging and political participation can inform policies and practices that promote linguistic diversity, cultural inclusivity, and democratic participation in diverse societies. Keywords: Multilingual, Social, Identity, Political.

Democracy, impartiality and the online political activity of Aotearoa New Zealand’s public sector employees: similarities and differences with other Westminster countries

ABSTRACT While some hail social media as improving political participation, some governments have received social media with a touch of trepidation; concerned that public servants’ online political activity might threaten the public service’s reputed impartiality. Recent research from some Westminster countries where government messaging about social media have been especially cautious have found a negative relationship between public sector employment and online political activity. But what about public sector employees in Aotearoa New Zealand, where, comparative research suggests, the tone and substance of social media guidelines are less risk-averse than other Westminster countries? Using data from the 2014, 2017 and 2020 New Zealand Election Study, this article examines the relationship between public sector employment and online activity with several multivariate regression models. The results lead to two conclusions. First, consistent with research from other countries, a negative relationship has emerged over time between public sector employment and online political activity in Aotearoa New Zealand. Second, although public sector employees are less politically active online relative to other citizens, the substantive size of this gap is not as great as that found in other Westminster countries. The implications of these findings for the state of democracy and impartiality in Aotearoa New Zealand are discussed.

The influence of personal political connectivity on fertility intentions across changing family planning policies in China

ABSTRACT In the past years, China’s fertility rate has experienced negative growth. In order to cope with the decline in fertility rate and the ageing of the population, the multi-child policy was implemented in 2015, that is, from the original husband and wife having only one child to having two or more children. Since the promulgation and implementation of China’s policy will have a greater impact on people’s livelihood, so before and after the implementation of the fertility policy, the impact of residents ’ political connectivity on fertility desire needs further study. This study categorizes residents’ political connectivity into political participation behaviour, political background, and political attitudes to explore the impact on residents’ fertility intentions. It conducts an empirical analysis of residents’ fertility intentions using data from the China General Social Survey (CGSS). The study found that before and after the implementation of the multi-child policy, there was a positive correlation between political participation behaviour and fertility intention, and there was no significant change. The influence of residents with party members ‘political background and residents’ political attitude on fertility intention has changed greatly, from negative correlation to positive correlation.

Contribution of Women in Political Movement of Nepal

This article explores the extraordinary contributions made by women to Nepal's political movement, demonstrating their fundamental influence on the political climate of the nation. The study investigates the varied political activism of Nepalese women through an analysis of historical accounts, academic research, and direct testimonies. In Nepal, women have been instrumental in political movements, community mobilization, and advocacy for social and political change. They have actively taken part in protests, rallies, and neighborhood campaigns, pushing back against patriarchal conventions and clamoring for equitable participation in governmental organizations. In order to advance gender equality and women's rights in the political sphere, the article examines the effects of women's organizations, women-led projects, and female activists. It looks at their initiatives to remove social constraints, boost women's political participation, and combat gender-based prejudice. This article also examines the obstacles women have had to overcome while examining the crucial role they have played in Nepal's political movement and their contributions to constitutional changes. The paper offers insights on the empowerment of women within the Nepali political system by a thorough analysis of scholarly research, historical records, and documented experiences.

Gender quota, women in politics, and gender parity in education

AbstractDo women in politics contribute to gender parity in education? This study seeks to provide an empirical answer to this question by examining whether women in politics (women parliamentarians) contribute to closing the gender inequality in education using a global sample of 191 countries from 1990 to 2020. We deployed the two‐stage least square (IV‐TSLS) technique and gender quota as an instrument to isolate the exogenous effect of women in politics on gender parity in primary, secondary and tertiary education. The findings from the IV‐TSLS estimators show that an increase in the number of female parliamentarians is associated with a significant increase in gender parity at all levels of education. These results survived several robustness checks, including using different estimators such as the Lewbel two‐stage least squares and the Kinky least‐squares estimators. Based on the quota type, we documented that women in politics significantly spur gender parity in education in countries with reserved seat quotas and not in countries with candidate quotas. We also found that the results differ across different geographical regions and income groups. The findings call on policy‐makers to address societal, legal and structural barriers limiting women's political participation to achieve gender parity at all levels of education.

How women hold up half the sky? A configurational analysis of women’s political leadership participation?

Purpose Existing research has examined the results of women’s political leadership participation (WPLP) and the reasons for the lack of advancement of women to management positions. However, little research has been adopting a more comprehensive framework and configuration perspective to investigate the determinants of WPLP. By integrating institutional theory and institutional complementarities theory, this study aims to construct an institution–culture–structure framework to investigate the multiple driving mechanisms of WPLP. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on the fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis method and a sample of 66 countries, the authors identify multiple equifinal combinations of conditions related to high and not-high levels of WPLP. Findings According to the results, the authors summarize five pathways influencing WPLP. These pathways include education and culture-driven pattern, political institutions-driven pattern, political institutions and structure-driven pattern, integrated-driven pattern and political institutions and culture restrictive pattern. Originality/value The authors shed new light on the driving mechanism of WPLP and contribute to research on making full out of women’s leadership.

21st-Century Digital Literacy: Using Information Technology to Empower People

Abstract: A vital skill set for people to survive and prosper in an increasingly digital environment, digital literacy has arisen in the quickly changing 21st century. This abstract examines the value of digital literacy by looking at information technology (IT) and how it has affected modern society. It explores the complexity of digital literacy, including not just the technical know-how to utilize digital tools and technology but also the social, ethical, and intellectual aspects that are essential for productive digital participation. The elements of digital literacy, such as media literacy, information literacy, communication skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities, are examined in this abstract, which draws on theoretical frameworks and actual studies. In addition to giving people access to a wealth of materials, communication channels, and chances for learning and cooperation, it also examines how information technology might be used as a facilitator to improve digital literacy. This abstract also discusses the difficulties and obstacles that hinder the adoption of digital literacy, including the digital gap, unequal access to technology, and concerns of digital inequality. It highlights how crucial it is for everyone to have equal access to digital resources and how important it is for governments, schools, and community groups to work together to promote digital inclusion and close the digital gap. Furthermore, the revolutionary power of digital literacy is highlighted in this abstract across a number of fields, such as political participation, job placement, schooling, and medical services. In order to promote lifelong learning and empowerment, it addresses cutting-edge strategies and best practices for incorporating digital literacy into seminars and workshops, community initiatives, and school curriculum. As a conclusion, this abstract emphasizes how critical digital literacy is in the twenty-first century and how it shapes people's ability to prosper in a society that is becoming more technologically advanced and linked. The statement highlights the need of coordinating endeavors to advance digital literacy programs and provide fair access to digital assets, ultimately enabling people to engage completely in the digital community.

Exploring the Evolution of Media Landscape in South Sudan: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract: This research paper aims to investigate the multifaceted role of mass media in the development of Sudanese society. Sudan, a country with a rich cultural heritage and a complex socio-political landscape, has undergone significant transformations over the years. Mass media, comprising various forms such as television, radio, newspapers, and digital platforms, holds immense power in shaping public opinion, disseminating information, and influencing societal norms and values. Through an extensive review of existing literature, this paper explores the historical context of mass media in Sudan, its evolution, challenges, and opportunities, and its impact on socio-economic development, political participation, cultural preservation, and national identity. Additionally, it examines the role of mass media in promoting social cohesion, fostering dialogue, and addressing pressing issues such as poverty, conflict, and healthcare. By analyzing the dynamics between mass media and societal development in Sudan, this paper seeks to provide insights into harnessing the potential of media for positive change and sustainable progress

Equal Representation: Challenges and Opportunities

This article explores the contours of the highly politicised and gendered spaces in Kenya that female aspirant leaders still struggle to overcome in order to participate fully as citizens. It aims to highlight the exclusionary nature of the political and democratic space in Kenya, notwithstanding constitutional and legal provisions for gender equity. We argue that enjoying a simple majority in terms of overall population figures (50.1%) has not necessarily translated into political capital for Kenyan women, who are perpetually locked out of meaningful political participation due to entrenched patriarchy and sexism. The introduction of political affirmative action through the two-thirds gender rule augmented female representation in parliamentary and other public and legislative offices. This was also meant to regulate the monopoly of any one gender in the occupation of political and public positions. The article utilises secondary data and related theories in supporting the argument that the insignificant number of female parliamentarians is, inter alia, a result of entrenched and skewed power relations. Outdated cultural practices, gender stereotypes, negative rhetoric and ethnicity, patriarchy, and a lack of economic and social capital have indeed adversely affected women’s trajectory in politics. Results of the past two elections (2013 and 2017) have indicated that gender skewing in parliament and other competitive positions in the public service is still an issue to reckon with. This, we observe, is tantamount to non-compliance with constitutional and legal provisions that were geared toward achieving an equal society. We suggest the implementation of the gender rule as envisaged in the 2010 Constitution. A conducive legal framework, coupled with collaborative efforts of relevant state and non-state actors, is paramount. A significant and current discussion should encompass new realignments aimed at disrupting and deconstructing the pervasive gendered relationships.

Federalism and Democracy: A Bibliometric Review and Future Research Agenda

This study aims to explore the complex relationship between federalism and democracy through bibliometric review through Scopus database from 1962 to 2024. Based on 522 articles extracted on “Federalism and Democracy” from Scopus database, highlights how these two political concepts interact across countries including United States, Ethiopia, and Nigeria and historical contexts, emphasizing the complementary yet potentially conflicting nature of their relationship. The paper points out the critical role of federalism in enhancing democratic principles such as accountable governments, increased political participation, and protection against majority tyranny. It also acknowledges the challenges and tensions arising from intergovernmental coordination and democratic governance within federal systems. Authors have done a comprehensive analysis, exploring the dynamics of fiscal policy, legal and constitutional frameworks, and the influence of federalism within the European Union. It further examines the application of federalism and democracy in specific national contexts, including the United States, Ethiopia, and Nigeria, to illustrate the diverse ways these concepts evolve and impact societies. Through this exploration, the paper provides insights into how federalism can either strengthen or weaken democracy based on factors such as party politics, fiscal decentralization, and the legal-institutional setup. This study sets a future research agenda by exploring 20 research questions spread across ten thematic clusters. These clusters cover a wide range of topics, from fiscal policy and party politics in federal systems to the role of political parties, elections, legal aspects of federalism, and new developments in European federalism. By outlining these future research directions, the paper aims to guide further scholarly exploration and understanding of the complex relationship between federalism and democracy.

Why are Older Israeli Arabs not Part of the Protests Against the Judicial Reform? A Qualitative Study.

In the protests against the proposed judicial reform that began in early 2023 in Israel, the lack of participa• Policymakers should make efforts to reduce the socioeconomic gaps between older people from minority and majority groups.tion of Israeli Arabs, especially the absence of older Israeli Arabs, was noticeable. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the attitudes of older Israeli Arabs regarding the proposed judicial reform in Israel and to explore the reasons for their absence from the protests. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 older Israeli Arabs. Thematic analysis revealed two main themes. The first pertained to the attitudes of this cohort in relation to the judicial reform. Participants unanimously opposed the judicial reform and believed it could seriously harm Israeli Arabs by increasing discrimination against them in employment, housing, and the receipt of social and health services. The second theme pertained to the reasons for Israeli Arabs' nonparticipation in the protests, which included: 1) perceiving the protests as an internal Jewish conflict; 2) being accustomed to discrimination; 3) a perceived lack of political efficacy 3) having concerns about openly expressing political positions; 4) being in poor health; and 5) being a woman. Our findings provide important insights regarding the barriers to participation in politics and decision-making processes among older people in minority groups.

Expression of political views by school teachers: Teachersʼ and parentsʼ perspectives and mindsets regarding the real and the ideal

The current study examines the perspectives and mindsets of Israeli teachers and parents pertaining to political participation and expression of political opinions by Israeli teachers. For that purpose, qualitative methodology was applied. The main findings showed that about one fifth of the teachers and less than a third of the parents could not even name a relevant restriction concerning political participation and expression of teachers. On the other hand, a vast majority of the teachers can indeed recognize the differences between political education and party education.

Revisiting the Origins of Felony Disenfranchisement in the United States

Abstract We trace the origin of felony disenfranchisement from the colonial period through Reconstruction. On the eve of the Civil War, three-quarters of states had criminal disenfranchisement statutes. These laws were based on “legal moralism” principles, which limited the franchise to those in good standing with the community. Efforts at disenfranchisement grew as access to the ballot increased and criminal justice reforms replaced capital and corporal punishment for imprisonment. We highlight important transformations in felony disenfranchisement during Reconstruction, specifically in new state constitutions and the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Amendments. All but one Southern state included felon disenfranchisement in their new constitutions that the Republican-controlled Congress ratified for readmission to the United States. Radical Republicans in Congress and state legislatures were in most cases advocates of felony disenfranchisement to exclude former Confederates from political participation.

Are men and women contacted differently by electoral campaigns? A cross-national examination of gender gaps

Although a large literature investigates cross-national differences in party mobilization, little is known about cross-national gender differences in electoral campaign contacts. Using the Comparative Study of Electoral System Module 4, which includes data from 2011 to 2016 and 32 countries, I find gendered patterns in reported contacts across different activities performed by campaigns. I test two potential explanation for these variations: electoral systems and women’s political participation. First, I find that women’s likelihood of reported contacts increases to a greater extent than men’s when electoral systems provide incentives for campaigns to increase their contact rates, decreasing and even reversing gender gaps. Second, I find limited support regarding the impact of the percentage of women in legislatures on gender differences in reported electoral campaign contacts.

Treading carefully: the environment and political participation in science education

AbstractPolitics and science are inextricably connected, particularly in relation to the climate emergency and other environmental crises, yet science education is an often overlooked site for engaging with the political dimensions of environmental issues. This study examines how science teachers in England experience politics—specifically political participation—in relation to the environment in school science, against a background of increased obstruction in civic space. The study draws on an analysis of theoretically informed in-depth interviews with eleven science teachers about their experiences of political participation in relation to environmental issues. We find that politics enters the science classroom primarily through informal conversations initiated by students rather than planned by teachers. When planned for, the emphasis is on individual, latent–political (civic) engagement rather than manifest political participation. We argue that this is a symptom of the post-political condition and call for a more enabling environment for discussing the strengths and limitations of different forms of political participation in school science.

The Politics of Personal Crisis: How Life Disruptions Shape Political Participation

AbstractEconomic risk and instability are urgent and central facts in the lives of increasing numbers of Americans. Though experienced as “personal,” the causes of life disruptions like unemployment, eviction, and loss of health insurance are also deeply political. In this paper, we build on existing “single crisis” studies to offer a comprehensive theoretical and empirical picture of how life disruptions shape political behavior. We use several large surveys to show that personal crises generally dampen turnout but sometimes spur other political acts. We also find that highly politicized crises (such as those related to COVID) boost all forms of participation. Our findings speak to the importance of considering life disruptions in the study of political behavior, particularly in an era when the lives of Americans are especially precarious.

Gender Equality and Women's Rights : A Study in Indian Constitution

The concept of “Gender Equality” is a fundamental human right. Gender equality refers to the equality of responsibilities, rights, and opportunities for every human being. Every individual of the society yearns to achieve equal status and rights in their life. Indian Constitution gives fundamental rights and basics duties to the citizens of India. Women’s rights are recognized as a right in itself, a transformative tool for achieving progress in all other areas of social and economic development. In the present time women’s rights denote the gender equality, and that plays a pivotal role in society. Women’s rights in Indian Constitution leads to a transformation of the structural factors and that reduced gender inequality. Women are getting opportunities in every aspect in their lives, including political, social, economic and cultural. The main objectives of this research are to understand how women are getting their rights through Indian Constitution and to explore the issues and challenges for women.. This is a qualitative and secondary data based study. This paper also focused on how gender equality plays a role in Indian Constitution. Indian Constitutional articles defined equally rights for every human being; Constitution gives rights for being economically independent, for achieving equal status in society, and for equally participation in politics. This paper discussed about the important constitutional articles for gender equality in India. In this research some obstacles have defined on the path of women’s rights and gender equality. In the conclusion part, this paper has been described that Indian constitution mentions lots of articles for gender equality and human rights. Women’s social and economic conditions are improving through constitutional rights; now they have rights to live their life. But because of some strictly taboos and customs in society women are not utilizing their constitutional rights, and still they are facing gender inequality problems. And it can be seen that gender equality is a far cry. Women should be educated; through education, they will be aware of their rights and be able to utilize all those constitutional rights.

Youth political participation and digital movement in Indonesia: the case of #ReformasiDikorupsi and #TolakOmnibusLaw

The younger generations have always been at the forefront of and contributed significantly to social movements that are critical of state policies or respond to socio-political situations. This is also what happened in large movements involving young people in Indonesia, conventionally in the form of demonstrations and digital movements. This study seeks to explore the relationship between youth political participation, digital media, and the development of youth political identity by analyzing young people’s engagement in some of the most significant political protests in Indonesia during the mass protests of #ReformasiDikorupsi, a movement opposing the amendments of several important bills, and #TolakOmnibusLaw, a movement opposing the establishment of a new single bill related to labor and investment, between 2019 and 2020. By analyzing quantitative data through data mining from Twitter from October 2019 to November 2020 with the social network analysis method, this study discusses online youth participation in social movements and the way they shape their political identity. Our research found that young people play an active and central role in building online and offline movements. In particular, the online movement contributes to the growth of the offline protest movement, and vice versa, because of concerns about the practice of illiberal democracy.

Segregation by Design: An Analysis of Apartheid-Enabling Constitutional Provisions

This paper is a critical examination of constitutional provisions that enable apartheid systems, with a focus on how they allow segregation and discrimination to be established and perpetuated. Despite the global condemnation of apartheid following its horrors in South Africa, similar traits are still visible across a number of jurisdictions today, notably in Israel's treatment of Palestinians and Myanmar's oppression of the Rohingya. This study investigates three of such highest laws of the land, analyzing the roles they play in legitimizing such regimes and how they are instrumentalized to sustain segregation by design. Employing a substantive and structural comparative analytical approach, the research scrutinizes the constitutions of South Africa, Israel, and Myanmar, unearthing common denominators that facilitate apartheid practices. These include the creation of identity-based citizenship conditions, provisions allowing discriminatory treatment, constraints on the political participation of marginalized groups, and the entrenchment of power that hinders reformative action. The findings reveal that apartheid-enabling provisions do not necessarily explicitly endorse segregation. Instead, they often afford broad legislative powers that can be exploited to this end, as was the case in Apartheid South Africa. Similarly, the constitutions of Israel and Myanmar offer constitutional protection to selected ethnic groups, legitimizing and institutionalizing segregation. The research concludes with the identification of at least four key elements common across the studied constitutions that contribute to the maintenance of apartheid systems: differentiated citizenship status, legitimized segregationist practices, limited political participation for certain demographics, and entrenched power structures resistant to change.