The effect of life cycle transitions on political participation. A longitudinal and comparative investigation of participation patterns.

The aim of this project is to investigate the impact of life cycle events on political participation patterns in a longitudinal and comparative research design. We will integrate the effect of three different theoretical frameworks (life cycle, political socialization and civic identity) on political participation, while we also include different levels of analysis (individual, socialization contexts and country). The current project builds on previous research by offering a comprehensive investigation of different forms of political participation, in order to allow broader generalizations. By connecting life cycle events and transitions to political behavior, it allows us to incorporate broader theories about structural social change in contemporary society, and the impact thereof on political participation patterns. We will investigate both determinants of political behavior, and consequences this form of behavior might have, both for the individual as for the political system. The data used will be drawn mainly from the Belgian Political Panel Survey 2006-2011, a three wave longitudinal survey among late adolescents and young adults that were surveyed in 2006 at the age of 16 and consequently at the age of 18 and 21. Additionally, other datasets will be used to allow for a comparative investigation of political participation patterns of young adults in Western societies.

Keywords:Political participation, Youth, Civic identity, Comparative research, Political socialization

Disciplines:Other economics and business, Citizenship, immigration and political inequality, International and comparative politics, Multilevel governance, National politics, Political behaviour, Political organisations and institutions, Political theory and methodology, Public administration, Other political science