Political involvement is a cornerstone of democratic citizenship, shaped significantly by early political socialization experiences. These experiences, which occur within family, educational, and social contexts, help form individual political orientations during childhood and youth and often have lasting effects on political beliefs and behaviors. Research consistently shows that youth from marginalized backgrounds—including those with low socioeconomic status, immigrant backgrounds, or minority racial groups—tend to exhibit lower levels of political participation. Positive attitudes such as political interest can enhance engagement, while experiences of discrimination or exclusion may either suppress political support or motivate individuals to seek change. This study examines how civic interest and political engagement develop among youth at the margins, particularly in the context of discriminatory experiences. By integrating insights from normative democratic theory and political socialization research, the paper investigates the dual role of societal experiences: fostering political support and civic participation through positive reinforcement, or generating political mobilization in response to negative experiences. It explores how institutions, family background, and broader societal interactions contribute to shaping political orientations and engagement patterns among marginalized youth. The findings highlight the importance of inclusive policies, equitable educational opportunities, and supportive civic structures to strengthen political participation among disadvantaged youth. Understanding how both positive and negative social experiences influence youth political behavior provides critical insights for fostering democratic resilience and promoting active citizenship in diverse societies.
Friedrich et al. (Wed,) studied this question.