Attitude to and belief about government responsiveness
Definition
The proportion of youth aged 18 to 24 who report that the public or average person has a significant influence on politics and government decision-making, as indicated by responses to selected questions in the 2005 New Zealand Values Survey.(1)
Relevance
An informed and politically engaged youth population is an important component of a healthy, functioning democracy. Young people who believe that government is responsive to their views are more likely to contribute political debate and discussion about the issues that matter to them.
Current level
In the 2005 New Zealand Values Survey, more than half (56 percent) of youth aged 18 to 24 agreed that government is generally responsive to public opinion.
Fewer young people reported agreeing the average person has a considerable influence on politics (31.8 percent), or that the average person has a great deal of influence on the government (24.4 percent).
Proportion of young people aged 18 to 24 who agreed with statements regarding the responsiveness of government, 2005
Source: Public Life Values (2005).
Notes
1. Rose, E., Huakau, J., Sweetsur, P. and Casswell, S. (2005) Public Life Values: A Report from the New Zealand Values Study 2005. June. Centre for Social and Health Outcomes Research and Evaluation & Te Ropu Whariki, Massey University, Auckland: http://www.shore.ac.nz/projects/Public_Life_Values.pdf
