The other identity politics: The timing and context of political turning points and political identity

The development of political thought is receiving renewed focus. This study examined the timing of and influences on political identity development, focusing on the unique experiences of conservatives, liberals, and moderates. This study addressed three questions: Is political identity development related to general identity development? Do political identity development processes differ based on political ideology (conservative, moderate, and liberal)? What are the nature and context of political turning points and do these differ based on political ideology? Participants (18-25 years; N = 174) from the Montana University System in the United States completed an online survey comprised of the Dimensions of Identity Development Scale (DIDS), well-being scale, political Dimensions of Identity Development Scale (pDIDS), political turning point narrative, political ideology assessment, and a demographic questionnaire. Results revealed that the dimensions of political identity and general identity were strongly related, yet participants were more exploratory of their general identity than their political identity. Liberals and conservatives were more strongly committed to their political identities than moderates. Conservatives and moderates were more likely to have a political turning point in an educational context, whereas liberals were more likely to have political turning points in the political arena. The results provide insights into when and how political turning points occur in emerging adults as well as the processes of political exploration and commitment based on political ideology. It sheds light on the factors that shape one’s political identity, and the foundations for their engagement in civic life, with political institutions, and in democratic society.