Young people in Europe are increasingly distancing themselves from political institutions, with many feeling sidelined and under-represented in decision-making processes. A recent study from Barcelona has shed light on a growing sense of frustration among youth, who perceive their concerns and needs as secondary to those of older generations. This disillusionment is part of a broader phenomenon known as “adultcentrism”, where institutions are seen to prioritise adult perspectives over those of younger people, leaving the latter feeling excluded. The findings were published in the Journal of Youth Studies.
The study, conducted through focus groups with young residents of Barcelona, explores how young people experience interactions with public institutions. Participants described a range of negative experiences, from not being taken seriously by civil servants to feeling infantilised in formal settings. Many expressed frustration with the bureaucratic processes, which they found unnecessarily complex and alienating, contributing to their growing disengagement from traditional political structures.
At the heart of the issue is the concept of adultcentrism. This refers to the way societies, particularly their institutions, are structured around adult experiences, often to the detriment of younger generations. The study found that young people are acutely aware of their peripheral position within these institutions. They often feel as though their voices are marginalised, with their concerns about issues like housing, employment, and education overshadowed by political agendas that focus on older, voting-age populations.
Interestingly, the study noted that this feeling of exclusion is particularly pronounced among marginalised groups. Young migrants and those with dissident gender identities reported even greater levels of frustration, as they contend with multiple layers of discrimination. For these young people, adultcentrism intersects with other forms of social inequality, exacerbating their sense of alienation from public institutions.
The research also highlights a shift in how young people engage with politics. Instead of participating through traditional channels, many are turning to alternative forms of activism, often relying on social movements and digital platforms to make their voices heard. This move towards “Do-It-Ourselves” politics allows young people to bypass institutional gatekeepers, but it also reflects a deeper mistrust in the ability of formal political structures to address their concerns.
Despite this trend, the study warns that the ongoing disengagement of young people from political institutions poses a significant threat to the future of democracy. If institutions continue to overlook the needs and perspectives of younger generations, the divide between young people and political structures will only deepen, further eroding trust in democratic processes.
The findings offer a sobering reflection on the state of political engagement among young people today. Despite their desire to influence their societies, many people feel that institutions are preventing them from doing so. As a result, there is a growing demand for reform – one that recognises the unique perspectives and contributions of young people and works to incorporate them into the heart of political decision-making.
