Does Unemployment Reduce Political Interest? An Analysis of Socialization Effects Using Longitudinal Data

Does unemployment reduce political interest? This contribution argues that the answer depends on life-cycle stages. Political interest becomes resilient with age, which in turn diminishes the negative effect of unemployment. However, if unemployment occurs at a young age, unemployment can inhibit the socialization process that leads to political interest. This effect is especially pervasive among young adults with weak social networks. This socialization perspective complements existing accounts that emphasize the role of workplace-related resources. The longitudinal analyses made in connection with this study show that unemployment does indeed reduce political interest primarily among young respondents, an effect that is particularly strong among respondents who lack strong social networks. Furthermore, unemployment at a young age produces persistent, negative effects on political interest.