Young Voices Warn: UK Democracy Faces Deep-Seated Challenges Amid Financial and Social Turmoil

Young Voices Warn: UK Democracy Faces Deep-Seated Challenges Amid Financial and Social Turmoil

(IN BRIEF)The UK Youth Poll 2025, conducted by the University of Glasgow’s John Smith Centre in collaboration with Focaldata and sponsored by Nationwide Building Society, provides an in-depth look at young people’s political attitudes and priorities in the UK. While young respondents prefer democracy over dictatorship, a significant majority (63%) believe that the state of UK democracy is at risk. Financial worries and the quest for basic needs such as stable employment, affordable housing, and a secure community are major concerns. The survey reveals diverse political views among Generation Z, with variations based on gender, education, and employment status. Additionally, social issues such as the negative impact of social media on youth, the rise of toxic masculinity, and the persistence of racism are prominent in the minds of young people, although many also recognize positive changes brought by immigration. Leaders from the John Smith Centre, Nationwide Building Society, and Focaldata emphasize that these insights underscore the need for a more transparent, unified, and responsive political system that addresses the real-life challenges faced by young people.

(PRESS RELEASE) GLASGOW, 31-Mar-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — A comprehensive survey exploring the attitudes and priorities of young people has revealed a complex relationship with UK democracy. Despite a clear preference for democratic governance over authoritarian rule, many young people feel that the current state of UK democracy is faltering.

In a collaborative effort, the University of Glasgow’s John Smith Centre joined forces with prominent UK polling organization Focaldata to engage in extensive discussions with individuals aged 16 to 29 nationwide, culminating in the UK Youth Poll 2025, sponsored by Nationwide Building Society.

The findings indicate that financial pressures and material concerns overwhelmingly drive the anxieties of the youth. There is a strong desire for improved politics—characterized by honesty, transparency, and a commitment to meeting essential needs. The survey also highlights significant diversity within Generation Z: political and democratic views differ widely based on one’s background. For instance, while young men generally lean more to the right, most young individuals tend to occupy a centrist position. Additionally, those employed or possessing higher education demonstrate greater optimism and civic engagement compared to peers facing long-term unemployment or lower educational attainment.

Even though democracy was favored over dictatorship by a ratio of two to one, a striking 63% of respondents agreed that UK democracy is currently in jeopardy. Furthermore, there is notable concern regarding social issues, with 67% supporting a ban on social media for children under 16, and the same percentage noting an increase in toxic masculinity. A significant 73% of young people view racism as a critical problem, while 51% believe that immigration has positively transformed their communities.

Dr Elisabeth Loose, who spearheaded the UK Youth Poll 2025 for the John Smith Centre, remarked, “Young people are undoubtedly anxious about the future of the UK and the state of our democracy. Yet, the poll also shows their enduring optimism and strong commitment to democratic values. They are eager to contribute, provided they are given the opportunity.” She further explained that the youth are calling for a political system that is less divided and more capable of delivering tangible solutions—seeking stability through good jobs, affordable housing, and supportive communities.

Eddie Barnes, Director of the John Smith Centre, emphasized the importance of understanding the varied experiences of young people based on factors such as region, ethnicity, income, gender, and education. “This research is crucial to our mission of engaging more young people in public life, as it reveals the nuanced perspectives that exist within this diverse group,” he stated. Barnes also noted that many young interviewees expressed concerns over the negative impacts of social media on younger users, a point that is likely to intensify the ongoing debate over online safety.

Debbie Crosbie, Group CEO of Nationwide Building Society, commented on the poll’s relevance, stating, “This survey is a key contribution to understanding the challenges facing young people today. It is heartening to witness their optimism for the future, but it is equally clear that issues like financial insecurity and housing affordability remain pressing concerns—areas that Nationwide is actively addressing.”

James Kanagasooriam, Chief Research Officer at Focaldata, added that the poll dispels the outdated notion of a monolithic youth culture. “Our findings illustrate that young people are not a homogeneous group. Differences by class, education, gender, ethnicity, and region are often more significant than generational divides. This complexity challenges the simplistic ‘generation war’ narrative and underscores that many young people are independently minded, with a surprising inclination toward conservative views and civic participation.”

The initiative will ultimately be managed by students at the University of Glasgow, drawing inspiration from the annual Harvard Youth Poll, which similarly empowers young people in the USA to shape and publish insights on youth opinion.

Media Contact:

media@glasgow.ac.uk

SOURCE: University of Glasgow