Most people have opinions on how society should be managed, the priorities governments should focus on, and what makes public policies fair or effective. These opinions often reflect deeper political convictions, even if we do not realize it. Political parties, in their simplest form, bring together individuals who share certain principles and a common vision for society. From a behavioral perspective, people tend to belong to groups that reflect their values and give them a sense of belonging, which helps us understand that political engagement begins with shared convictions, not merely filling out a party membership application.
However, the relationship between personal convictions and political affiliation is not always clear. A young person may be deeply interested in issues that affect their future without knowing how these interests relate to different political philosophies or party programs. This is where what we might call the "engagement gap" appears, as it becomes difficult for individuals to identify their convictions within the political options available to them. Bridging this gap requires simplifying political ideas and clarifying their relationship to the decisions that affect our daily lives, helping youth compare different approaches based on the principles behind them, rather than slogans alone.
Universities can play an important role by organizing dialogues that allow students to explore different political approaches to public issues and understand the reasons why people reach different solutions to the same challenges. Similar awareness-raising meetings can also be organized in local communities across various regions of Jordan to introduce how parties are established and the relationship between their principles and their positions on various issues. These meetings could also bring youth together with representatives from multiple political parties, opening the door for direct dialogue that helps both sides understand each other and allows parties to listen to the priorities and aspirations of the youth directly. In this way, political education becomes a practical experience rather than being limited to memorizing concepts and definitions.
Education and training are no less important for those founding and leading political parties. Building a clear political identity requires an understanding of political philosophies and the ability to translate principles into specific programs. Workshops and educational programs can help party members develop these skills and express their ideas in clear language that is accessible to citizens. The goal is not for every party to be accepted by everyone, but for its convictions and priorities to be clear enough to enable individuals to determine the extent of their alignment with their own personal convictions.
From a behavioral science perspective, education acts as an enabler for behavioral change, as it provides individuals with the knowledge and confidence necessary to make decisions that align with their convictions. It does not guarantee that an individual will join a political party, nor should that be its sole goal, but it can make political participation a more conscious and meaningful choice. As Jordan advances in its economic journey, fostering political awareness can contribute to establishing a political culture in which citizens engage with ideas and principles before deciding how they wish to participate in political life.
