The seemingly apolitical Gen Z youth
The article analyzes the perceived apolitical nature of Gen Z youth in India, arguing that their 'depoliticisation' is a result of neoliberal policies and the suppression of institutional spaces like student unions. It highlights that Gen Z is not inherently apolitical but awaits relevant causes and means to organize, as demonstrated by the NEET-UG protests at Jantar Mantar. The piece emphasizes the critical role of campus democracy and student unions in fostering political consciousness and democratic engagement, citing Kerala as an exception with regular student union elections, contrasting with other states that have banned them.
The article analyzes the perceived apolitical nature of Gen Z youth in India, arguing that their 'depoliticisation' is a result of neoliberal policies and the suppression of institutional spaces like student unions. It highlights that Gen Z is not inherently apolitical but awaits relevant causes and means to organize, as demonstrated by the NEET-UG protests at Jantar Mantar. The piece emphasizes the critical role of campus democracy and student unions in fostering political consciousness and democratic engagement, citing Kerala as an exception with regular student union elections, contrasting with other states that have banned them.
Exam linkage
GS-II: Indian Polity & Governance - Functioning of democracy, citizen participation, role of various groups and associations in the political process, challenges to democratic values.
Syllabus mapping
This topic appears in Mains
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