Socio-psychological factors of political participation and absenteeism

This comprehensive review examines the socio-psychological factors influencing political participation and absenteeism in contemporary democracies. Drawing on classical and modern theoretical frameworks including social identity theory, political efficacy models, rational choice theory, and civic voluntarism, this article synthesizes empirical findings from cross-national studies published between 2010 and 2025. The review identifies multiple levels of determinants affecting political behavior: individual psychological characteristics (political efficacy, civic duty, political interest), social factors (social capital, network embeddedness, group identification), and systemic factors (institutional trust, electoral system design, political opportunity structures). Special attention is given to emerging trends including digital political participation, generational differences in civic engagement, and the paradoxical relationship between information abundance and political apathy. The analysis reveals that political absenteeism cannot be understood simply as rational disengagement or apathy, but rather as a complex phenomenon rooted in feelings of political inefficacy, institutional distrust, systemic barriers to participation, and socio-economic marginalization. The review concludes with evidence-based recommendations for enhancing democratic participation through civic education programs, institutional reform, social capital development, and inclusive political design.

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