Abstract
The article provides a comprehensive examination of the influence of contemporary political culture on the level, forms, and patterns of political engagement among young people in Kazakhstan. It analyzes the key factors shaping young citizens’ political consciousness and civic attitudes, including the mass media, social networks, the education system, family, civil society organizations, and state youth policy. Particular attention is paid to the transformation of the country’s political culture in the context of digitalization, globalization, and changing social values. The rapid integration of digital technologies into public and political life is considered one of the key factors influencing how young people perceive political information, assess political developments, and participate in emerging forms of civic engagement. The study finds that digital platforms and social networks have become important instruments for shaping young people’s political views and attitudes and play a significant role in their political socialization. Online petitions, public discussions on social media, civic initiatives, participation in electoral processes, and volunteering are also examined as widespread forms of youth political engagement. The authors conduct a political analysis of current trends and identify several barriers to young people’s participation in political processes, including political apathy, low levels of institutional trust, information manipulation, and insufficient media literacy. The study employs comparative, historical, and sociological methods and substantiates the need to improve civic and political education, enhance media literacy, strengthen open dialogue between public institutions and young people, and support youth-led civic initiatives. The findings offer a new perspective on the issue, contribute to a deeper understanding of its scholarly and practical significance, and provide a foundation for further comprehensive research into the political culture and political participation of young people in Kazakhstan.