A Research On The Positive Content Of The Political Apathy

Political apathy is a common phenomenon exists in various societies. The strength of its performance is as different as its effect. Some scholars believe that political apathy is harmful to the development of democratic politics. We should expand political participation through all kind of efforts, to eliminate the phenomenon of political apathy. Some scholars find the positive content of political apathy, especially its contribution to political stability. The role of political apathy can not be given a general understanding. It should be generated from different reasons, be given an accurate assessment. At the same time draw inspiration conducive to democratic development.The main part of this paper is divided into four parts.The first part is to clarify the concept of political apathy and summarize the characteristics of the phenomenon. Political apathy and political participation is closely linked, and there are two diametrically opposed views to definite the relationship between the two. In this paper, by comparing the understandings to the concept of political participation of various scholars, I define the meaning of political apathy based on the definition of the concept and scope of political participation. Political apathy is as opposed to the concept of political participation, it both refers to political attitudes pay no attention to political activities and political issues, but also refers to political behavior which means to alienate, to evade, non-intervention in political participation. This article is based on the definition of discussion. In addition, through empirical observation, summed up three main characteristics of the phenomenon of political apathy: universality, the bottom and omission, and as the background for the analysis after.The second part mainly analyzes the causes of political apathy. On the basis of understanding the various causes, the reasons will be divided into two categories. One is the perspective of individual citizens, the other is system level. The former is the subjective will of the individual citizens do not want to close the political, is the automatic waiver. When citizens is very satisfied with the current political system, or they face non-selection candidates, the apathy is a clear understanding of their rights, even they does not participate in. But the apathy due to the lack of democratic traditions, political alienation because of the lack of political knowledge and not familiar with, as well as political fanaticism led to fears of political are not rational to recognize the rights of political participation. The latter is mainly about the political system, political apathy among the citizens due to dissatisfaction with the political system and the poor access. When opportunities for political participation and participation results inequality, the citizens who pursuit for equality give up the political participation, they expressed an unsatisfied attitude of the political system. But at the same time there is numerous people who are lack of awareness, they are used by unequal treatment of the political system, or even do not know they should have an equal right to political participation, so how they would be aware of their unequal treatment. This part of the analysis is the basis of the back.The third part is about the positive content of political apathy in the democratic politics operation. Focus on the relationship between political apathy and democracy. First of all, an appropriate degree of apathy is conducive to political stability standing on the point that the excessive political participation easily lead to social unrest. Secondly, political apathy express an attitude on the current political system, it is satisfied or dissatisfied. But as a feedback to the political system, it will lead to the direction of development people satisfied with. so appropriate degree of political apathy is a manifestation of political democracy. Third, the political apathy is a form of political freedom. Pluralistic society provides people with a variety of alternative lifestyles, and also provides a wide range of value means. Citizens can choose to stay away from politics into their own interest areas.The fourth part as a summary is to show the treatment attitude political apathy. An effective political system should reach a balance between political participation and political apathy. It is necessary to prevent the lack of participation, but also to prevent the over-participation. Under the perfect institutional environment, an orderly and effective political participation is useful to democratic development in the right direction.