Young party activists’ perceptions on participation within political parties

Abstract

This study examines how young Maltese people who are engaged in party politics perceive their involvement within local political parties. Informed by a conceptual framework based on social capital theory, the study explores whether there exist adequate opportunities for young people involved in Alternattiva Demokratika, Partit Laburista and Partit Nazzjonalista to create social networks, trust and a sense of belonging within their party’s structures, and whether possibilities for progression exist. The study also encouraged participants to provide insights on how young party activists may be motivated to enhance their party political participation. This research agenda was investigated through the application of a qualitative methodological approach, which was adopted in view of its strength to give voice to research participants and their worthy views (Gill et al., 2008). For this purpose, semi-standardised interviews (Berg, 2007) were undertaken with six young political party activists. Two participants were recruited from each of the three mainstream political parties who at the time of conducting the study had a youth wing within their respective structures. Findings reveal that participants encounter a series of barriers to participation, and that establishing networks, trust and a sense of belonging depend on proving oneself and demonstrating commitment to party involvement. Participants also highlighted that a sense of belonging and a friendship network develop as their engagement within party structures intensifies. Participants highlighted that political parties require further openness and to develop policies which reflect the current needs of society to be able to attract and enhance youth participation. Learning from past experiences was also identified by participants as crucial in this regard. The study concludes with a series of recommendations for further action and research in the field.