Political Socialization of Youth in Georgia

Taralashvili, Tamari

This paper explores the political socialization of youth in Georgia, focusing on how family traditions and values shape the beliefs, attitudes, and civic engagement of younger generations. In the regions of Georgia, it is common for several generations to live under one roof, creating an environment where cultural and political values are passed down, often reinforcing long-held views on sensitive issues like faith, national identity, and civil cohesion.

Drawing on Bourdieu’s theory of cultural capital, the research highlights how the family serves as the primary site of early socialization, profoundly influencing a young person’s world view. In Georgia, where youth frequently remain closely tied to their families well into adulthood, the transmission of traditional values is particularly strong. While young people may modernize some views, the core attitudes passed down from older family members, especially on topics seen as taboo, often remain intact.

This research is significant because it sheds light on how political beliefs are shaped in societies undergoing rapid transition. Georgia’s journey from Soviet rule to independence provides a unique backdrop for examining the persistence of traditional views alongside the adoption of more modern ideas. Despite the broader societal push towards individualism and modernization, this study reveals the enduring influence of familial values on youth, offering important insights into the stability of political attitudes.

The findings suggest that the family remains a significant influence on the political and social views of young people, which has profound implications for their civic involvement and involvement in society. By examining how youth navigate the intersection of tradition and modernity, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of political socialization in post-Soviet societies like Georgia.