Objectives: The aim of the article is to analyze the voting behavior of neurodivergent representatives of Generation Z in Poland in the context of the growing phenomenon of democratic fatigue. The author focuses on how young neurodivergent voters perceive the political system, what expectations they have of the state, and which factors influence their electoral decisions, with particular emphasis on ideological preferences.
Material and methods: The study was conducted using a mixed-methods approach, combining an analysis of existing research and secondary data with original qualitative research. The key empirical component consisted of asynchronous online interviews with neurodivergent individuals aged 18–30 who were students and graduates of a Polish university. This research design enabled respondents to freely express their opinions and experiences related to participation in political life and elections.
Results: The findings indicate that neurodivergent members of Generation Z, despite their critical assessment of the political class and disappointment with the actions of successive governments, remain electorally active. Their expectations of the state focus on economic issues such as material stability and access to housing, as well as on ideological and social matters, including minority rights, access to healthcare, and greater inclusivity toward neurodivergent people.
Conclusions: The respondents show a clear tendency to support left-wing parties, which the author interprets as a result of a strong sense of social justice and personal experiences of exclusion. The article demonstrates that democratic fatigue does not necessarily lead to withdrawal from political participation, but may instead encourage the search for alternative forms of political representation.
środki na badania własne pracowników naukowych Uniwersytetu Śląskiego
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