Autor: Rubén Díaz García

Universidad Complutense de Madrid

 

Modalidad: Presencial

 

Abstract:

In this research note, I am guided by an empirically based objective, according to the current study's research question: which socioeconomic, political, and cultural factors explain a higher youth identification with liberal and conservative political positions?

 

First, I empirically examine significant political, cultural, and socio-economic variables influencing youth trends toward liberal-conservative positions. I use the ideological left-right self-placement scale as a proxy to represent ideas and values across the liberal and conservative spectrum. These positions are commonly defined as right-wing from a 'political-professional point of view,' as noted by Laraña (1994). Second, I discern similarities, differences, and potential regional factors in play by comparing six statistical models across six European countries: France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the UK.

 

I use aggregate data from the European Social Survey (ESS), round ESS10 (2021/22), for this purpose. Specifically, I run a multiple linear regression analysis for each country to approach which political, values or attitudes and socio-economic factors explain better youth liberal-conservative ideological identification as a dependent variable in each society. Taking such a variable as the dependent variable instead of an explanatory one leaves the door open to breaking down which factors explain and lie behind it. 

 

The differences found among the six countries' models are expected to inform us about the importance of going beyond monolithic approaches regarding what ideology or ideological shifts or backlash mean. It seems useful to incorporate a perspective that considers political cultures and social contexts, as well as the fluidity of the systems of values, ideas, and beliefs that guide individuals' actions, especially during political socialization, when people are more open to permeability and change than during adulthood.