The widespread belief that college students are uninterested in politics has recently been proven false.
According to the Campus Attitudes Towards Politics and Public Service (CAPPS) survey, 77 percent of college students believe politics are a relevant, tangible force in their lives, up from 68 percent last year. This survey was recently conducted by the Institute of Politics at Harvard University by college students, for college students.
Due to the increase of political interest, the percentage of student involvement in organizations dealing with political or governmental issues has risen as well. Last year’s results indicated that only 16 percent of students were involved in such organizations, but now that number has jumped to nearly 30 percent.
Douglas Imig, an associate professor of political science at The University of Memphis, believes interest in politics has risen among students because of the Sept. 11 tragedy.
“It makes a lot of sense,” Imig said. “When issues like Sept. 11 hit the press, it definitely brings students’ attention to politics. In terms of the significance of Sept. 11, American public conscience is similar to the fall of the Berlin Wall. It’s impossible to be abstract about these issues that affect our lives.”
The increase of student interest in political issues and involvement is good news, according to Robert Blanton, an assistant professor of political science at The U of M.
“The new attention toward politics is a good thing,” Blanton said. “Any increase in student awareness in politics is a positive thing.”
Blanton also believes that the CAPPS survey results are related to the events of Sept. 11.
“The conflict of 9/11 has played a major role,” he said. “I definitely think the interest in war increased the interest in politics.”
Deondria Matlock, a freshmen psychology major at The U of M, believes politics play a significant role in her life and she’s pleased to hear more college students feel the same way.
“Yes, I think that politics are relevant in my life,” Matlock said. “I’ve always been involved with politics, largely due to my parents. They have always influenced me to take action. If you want your opinion heard, you have to get out there and take an active role in politics.”
