Political Apathy

Within society, there is a substantial number of “apathetics” – those people with no interest in politics, and they make up around 30% of the population.  This figure is reflected in low election turnouts, both local and national, and the low percentage of political party membership.

But, is being indifferent to political changes and participation in fact another, less recognised, form of participating in politics?

Is their disengagement from politics a reflection of the current political climate, in which people feel disillusioned with the promises made by politicians, but are rarely kept?  Maybe their disengagement is a reflection of the lack of understanding and efforts of communication made by politicians to comprehend the issues that the Average Joe on the street really cares about?  Should politicians be more engaged in understanding and acting on social problems that the general public has an opinion on, rather than Bedroom Taxes?

Take the Scottish Referendum.  97% turnout in some areas.  The Scottish public cared about this election.  They were engaged and interested in the future of their country, and consequently the stability of their lives.  If there is one thing to be taken from this event, it is that people will turn up and vote when the issue is one that affects them, their lives, their families and their communities. 

Perhaps if British Parliament took notice of this fact, British politics could, overnight, be changed entirely, and for the better.  People would have more of a say, thus making our society more democratic (instead of simply having this political label attached to our nation).  People would be more active in their political participation, and such high rates of apathy would decline.

Therefore, it is necessary to listen to the apathetics.  They may not be talking, but their lack of action says a lot about the state of our political system as it currently is.