In their study, A Community of People Like Me. An Analysis of Members’ Perceptions of Their Engagement in Party Youth Wings, political scientists Ann-Cathrine Jungar and Niklas Bolin examined how members themselves perceive their involvement in political parties’ youth wings.

“In general, there is little research on political parties’ youth organisations and their members. We wanted to help bridge this knowledge gap,” says Ann-Cathrine Jungar, professor of political science. “Political parties have falling membership numbers, and this also applies to their youth wings. Our aim is to provide insights into why young people become involved in party politics.”

The study is based on a questionnaire that included open-ended questions for members in the youth wings of eight Swedish political parties. Based on the responses, the researchers analysed how young people describe their own experiences of political engagement.

The results show that the political and social aspects play a greater role than factors such as pursuing a political career.

“Youth organisations provide a forum where members can participate in discussions and debates about society and politics, which they might not feel comfortable doing in other settings.”

A place for political and personal development

Many respondents described youth wings as an environment in which they can develop both politically and personally. There are opportunities to discuss societal issues, test ideas and shape your political values alongside others with a similar view of society.

“A shared vision for the world and collective efforts to achieve this goal, as well as the opportunity to forge lifelong friendships with like-minded people, are things that members really value,” says Jungar.

Expectations and competition

However, the study shows that this commitment can present challenges, including the parent parties’ expectations that members will participate in campaign work or that the youth wing is the first step towards a political career.
The political setting can also be experienced as full of competition for a range of roles. The parties may also be divided, both on policy issues and strategically, such as whether to enter government and compromise on their policies.
The researchers believe their findings contribute to a better understanding of why young people become politically active and the role that youth organisations play in the political socialisation of young people in Sweden.