Youth Identity and Political Participation in Urban Ethiopia: An Analytical Framework

Youth identity formation in urban settings of Ethiopia is influenced by a complex interplay of socio-economic factors and cultural norms, necessitating an analytical framework to understand its impact on political participation. Qualitative research methods were employed, utilising semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with a diverse sample of urban youth across different socio-economic backgrounds to explore their perceptions and experiences regarding identity formation and political engagement. Findings indicate that a significant proportion (60%) of participants reported feeling alienated from urban governance structures due to perceived exclusion based on socioeconomic status, leading to low levels of civic participation. The analysis reveals a clear link between youth identity perceptions and their political engagement, underscoring the importance of inclusive policies in fostering greater civic participation among young people in urban Ethiopia. Policy recommendations include the implementation of measures that promote diversity within governance structures to ensure representation across socioeconomic classes, thereby enhancing youth trust and engagement with local authorities.