The youth in Turkey do not and cannot participate in social and political life of the country at levels that would extensively and significantly contribute to national human development, 2008 National Human Development Report says. Among the most significant reasons for this phenomenon are economic, attitudinal and cultural as well as strictly political factors. All of these interact with one another to various degrees and thus render the consequences quite complex.
Several arguments are worthy of note. One is the dynamic impact that early childhood experience brings into a child’s adolescent life. If a child grows in an environment that promotes active participation in social life and where rights and responsibilities of the citizenry are clear then it is most likely that that child will grow to support the democratic system and actively participate in the development of his/her community. Another is the role that, open, responsive, responsible and accountable institutions play in advanced democracies. In the absence of such an institutional environment, active citizenry is not going to bring about the expected benefits and without the hope and confidence inspired by democratic institutions, general participation levels will continue to be undermined.
According to the report, one of the most important means for the youth to become responsible citizens is political participation. In Turkey citizens can now run for parliament from the age of 25, they already vote in the elections from the age of 18. However, this does not mean that political participation prospects of youth have progressed in the same degree. Unless they are complemented by financially based incentive structures in this field and genuinely encouraged in practice, youth participation in political parties will remain restricted. Equally important is that via these incentive systems the financial transparency of the parties can be established more solidly and their links to clientelism can be reduced. Any oligarchic control of a party’s leadership can also be prevented by more active participation of different citizen groups in these parties.
Youth & Politics
Youth foster feelings of cynicism and distrust towards political mechanisms. They believe that “politics isn’t honest and just” and that “people who deserve are not where they should be”. The same distrust is felt towards politicians as well. “Those who protect only themselves and their relatives”, “those who don’t do much for the people” and “they are not telling the truth” are statements often used by youth when describing politicians… According to the State of Youth Survey the rate of youth who are currently active in a political party is 4.7%. Three-fourths of the remaining 95.3% are not considering taking part in any political party in the future.
While the youths’ distrust towards politics seems to be rather widespread, civil society can offer some adequate participation tools for the youth.
Many foundations and associations in Turkey allow youth to participate through volunteerism and to learn and create something. As the active citizenship literature suggests, volunteerism and youth services that young people provide boost their self-esteem. Research shows that involving young people in activities serving the greater community has a positive impact on their personal development, sense of civic and social responsibility, knowledge and academic skills and career aspirations.
However, among those who participated in the State of Youth Survey the rate of young people who are members of a non-governmental organization is only 4% in Turkey. About 46% of these are either university students or graduates. Universities play an important role in providing opportunities that enable youth to learn participation by actually practicing and experiencing it.
