From political participation to political interest (and back)

Although most researchers assume that political attitudes stimulate political participation, this statement has mostly been tested using short-term and experimental datasets. However, to establish causality, one needs long-term panel data. Therefore, this study aims to test whether political attitudes stimulate political participation or that there is more evidence for the reverse relationship. Using the Youth Socialization Panel Study (1973-1997) it is proven that there is more evidence that political participation stimulates political attitudes than for the reverse. Furthermore, political participation and political attitudes are quite stable and persistent over the life cycle.status: publishe