Political Consciousness and Youth: Political Participation Tendencies of New Generations

Öz

The study examines the transformation of political consciousness in the postmodern era within the context of media and identity politics. Unlike the universal ideologies of modernism, postmodernism gives rise to new forms of political consciousness grounded in personal experience and fragmented identities. The rise of identity politics, feminist and postcolonial movements, and the politicization of gender and cultural differences are presented as core components of this transformation. These changes are theoretically framed through the perspectives of postmodern thinkers such as Foucault, Lyotard, and Baudrillard. The article provides an indepth analysis of the role of media-especially social media-in shaping political awareness. Generation Z's distinct information sources and aesthetically-driven political behavior, along with concepts like “clicktivism,” are considered integral elements of this transformation. The Azerbaijani case is explored as a specific focal point. As a country emerging from post-Soviet modernism, Azerbaijan presents a compelling tension between national identity discourse and the digital cosmopolitanism of its youth in the transformation of political consciousness. In conclusion, the article demonstrates that postmodern political consciousness is characterized not only by the collapse of traditional structures but also by the emergence of new forms of expression and political participation.