Popular culture can help to engage young people withpolitical ideas, but isn’t enough on its own

Young people are generally of the firm opinion that politics is dull and politicians are not worth listening to. Research by Sanna Inthorn, Martin Scott and John Street shows that despite their disinterest, 16 and 17 year olds – through their engagement with popular culture – do partake in debates which can be termed ‘proto-political’. However, a meaningful interaction with democratic structures won’t occur until politicians can show themselves to be honest, credible, and passionate