Introduction — The Concept of Political Identity

Abstract

The research project on the political socialization of adolescents in East Germany (Brandenburg), Israel, and the West Bank has one guiding question: the prospect for democratic development in these three regions. In a broader perspective, it is the question of democratic development in societies in transition. Unlike research in the tradition of “transition from authoritarian rule” (O’Donnell et al. 1986; Rustow 1970; Linz 1990), which has investigated regime parameters, we focus on the young generation, its political identity formation, and its attitudes and opinions toward the political process and the political institutions. Since today’s young generation is forming the future society, it will provide not only the future electorate but also future political personnel. The investigation of their political identity is of prominent interest for democratic development.