Youth Identity and Political Participation in Urban Senegal: A Qualitative Exploration

Youth in urban Senegal are increasingly participating in political processes, though their engagement is often underrepresented and understudied. This study employs semi-structured interviews to gather insights from young people aged 18-30 who reside in urban areas of Senegal. The sample size was designed to ensure diversity across different socio-economic backgrounds and geographic regions within the country. Findings indicate that a significant proportion, approximately 65%, of respondents identified strongly with their ethnic group, which also influenced their political participation by providing social support networks. The study contributes new insights into how youth identity shapes their engagement in urban Senegalese politics and highlights the importance of addressing socio-cultural factors to enhance inclusive political processes. Future research should consider longitudinal studies to track changes in youth political participation over time, particularly focusing on intergenerational shifts in values and beliefs about civic duty.