POLITICAL NEUTRALITY AMONG KERALA YOUTH

In Kerala, India, a concerning trend of political neutrality is emerging among the youth, marked by a reluctance to engage in politics due to factors such as corruption, violence, and a lack of transparency in the political system. Socioeconomic conditions also play a role, with disparities in income, education, and occupation shaping attitudes towards politics. This disengagement from the political process may lead to increased corruption and violence, undermining democracy and potentially fostering authoritarianism. The study, conducted through qualitative research with 40 politically neutral youth, highlights the need for political education in schools, greater emphasis on youth participation in policy-making, and fostering healthy debates in educational institutions to address this issue. Failure to address political neutrality could result in further disenchantment among youth and potential migration from communities feeling unheard and unrepresented. Recommendations from a social work perspective include implementing policies to promote youth engagement and developing programs to enhance political awareness.