Answer

Introduction

Across democracies facing backsliding, Generation Z has emerged as an unexpected political actor. Unlike earlier ideological movements, its engagement is marked by digital activism and episodic protests. This shift reflects deeper changes in political subjectivity, technology use, and civic participation, redefining democracy’s everyday functioning.

How This Shift is Redefining Democracy & Civil Society

• Leaderless Mobilisation: Decentralised, digital coordination replaces hierarchical party structures.
  Eg: Gen Z-led protests in Bangladesh (2024) lacked formal leadership yet challenged regime authority.
• Issue-Specific Politics: Focused demands over grand ideological transformation.
  Eg: Nepal (2025) protests centred on corruption and institutional accountability.
• Digital Public Sphere: Online platforms act as primary arenas of mobilisation and discourse.
  Eg: Virtual campaigns amplify grievances faster than traditional civil society forums.
• Moral-Individual Politics: “Personal is political” shapes civic expression through lifestyle and identity.
  Eg: Workplace toxicity and mental health concerns influencing youth political engagement.
• Fleeting but Impactful Protests: Short-lived mobilisations create symbolic and policy pressure.
  Eg: Episodic protests compared to sustained Farmers’ Movement (2020–24) show contrast.

Reasons Behind This Shift

• Technological Immersion: Digital nativity shapes political communication and participation.
  Eg: Social media mobilisation is more preferred than physical meetings.
• Democratic Socialisation: Post-democratisation confidence enables assertive civic voice.
  Eg: Youth openly questioning governance and institutional opacity.
• Economic Precarity: Unemployment and shrinking opportunities fuel anxiety-driven politics.
  Eg: Reports highlight “mental despair” among employed and unemployed youth.
• Aversion to Ideology: Suspicion of grand narratives and preference for lived realities.
• Market-Driven Identity: Consumption and global exposure reshape social imaginaries.
  Eg: Technology access seen as dignity equaliser over caste identity.

Conclusion

To harness Gen Z’s energy, democracies must institutionalise digital participation, strengthen civic education, and bridge episodic activism with structured deliberation. Responsive governance, transparent institutions, and inclusive economic policies can transform fleeting protests into constructive democratic renewal in an increasingly authoritarian global climate.

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