Youth in Spain: moving right?: a liberal-conservative view

Abstract

Young Spaniards’ increasing identification with conservative positions and right-wing politics, along with the associated gender gap, has garnered notable academic and media interest. Using data from the European Social Survey (ESS), this study first analyzes the evolution of these political stances between 2002 and 2023, then profiles the set of cohorts of young individuals aged 18 to 29 who have identified with liberal-conservative positions over the last two decades. By doing so, it seeks to contribute to a nuanced understanding of youth ideology in Spain, challenging stereotypes about this demographic, and highlighting the interplay of factors that have shaped young people's political identities, particularly liberal conservative politics.