Political Participation of Young People in East Germany

Abstract

The paper presents key findings of a three‐year longitudinal study of political participation. Drawing on the distinction between conventional and unconventional political participation, the study focused on grammar school students in the Land Brandenburg between the ages of 16 and 18 in order to determine how political behaviour develops and which forms of political participation prevail. While political interest among young east Germans remains comparatively low, it increased over time and respondents in the older age groups were more likely to opt for conventional forms of participation (voting) than younger ones. Friends and parents played a key part in political socialisation. The inclination to use violence was closely linked to clique membership but pertained only to a minority of young people. The study also found interesting gender differences concerning policy issues and patterns of political participation.