Introduction to the Special Issue on Political Engagement in Childhood and Adolescence

ABSTRACT

We introduce this special issue on Political Engagement in Childhood and Adolescence by reviewing the main contributions of each paper and drawing out their key themes. Four themes emerged across the papers. First, young people are interested in politics from an early age. Second, their social environments support them in understanding and engaging with politics. Third, young people are growing up in politically polarized contexts, but intergroup contact can foster nuanced understandings. Finally, political engagement is embedded within an emotional context. We conclude by identifying key directions for future research.