The intersection of social identity, normative influence, and political efficacy: A literature review of Cambodian youth in national elections
Huot, Sovanna
University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
Abstract
This conceptual review examines how social identity and normative influence intersect with political efficacy to shape Cambodian youth’s engagement in national elections. Drawing from social psychology and political science, the paper explores how group affiliations, such as ethnic, political, and generational identities, interact with normative pressures from families, peers, and communities to influence both internal efficacy, confidence in understanding politics, and external efficacy, belief in institutional responsiveness. The findings indicate that youth embedded in politically active networks or aligned with activist movements exhibit stronger political efficacy and greater engagement, while those in disengaged environments often show apathy and reduced participation. These insights carry critical implications for Cambodia’s democratic trajectory. Fostering youth political participation requires more than information, it demands the cultivation of collective democratic identities and supportive social norms. Civic education must engage families and local communities, while youth organizations should leverage peer influence and digital platforms to foster inclusive, participatory spaces. Future research should include longitudinal studies to examine how political efficacy evolves over time, comparative analyses across Southeast Asia, and focused inquiries into rural–urban disparities and the role of online political communities. Ultimately, this review offers a framework for understanding and enhancing youth political engagement in Cambodia, contributing to broader efforts to sustain democratic development in post-authoritarian societies.
Keywords: Social identity, normative influence, political efficacy, youth political engagement, Cambodia, political behaviours
Impact Statement
This literature review highlights how the interplay of social identity, normative influence, and political efficacy shapes the electoral behavior of Cambodian youth. By synthesizing existing research, it reveals that youth’s sense of belonging to specific social groups (social identity), their susceptibility to peer and community pressure (normative influence), and their belief in their ability to effect change (political efficacy) are critical factors in their participation in national elections. The findings underscore the need for targeted civic education programs and political engagement initiatives that acknowledge these dynamics to foster more meaningful and informed youth participation in Cambodia’s democratic process. This review, therefore, provides a valuable framework for policymakers, educators, and civil society organizations seeking to empower young voters and strengthen democratic institutions in Cambodia.
About Author
Sovanna HUOT, Sovanna HUOT is a certified English teacher and currently serves as Vice Principal at a government-recognized high school in Cambodia. He completed a two-year teacher training program (2010–2012) and holds bachelor’s degrees in English and Educational Administration. He earned master’s degrees in law and TEFL with scholarships, followed by a Master of Education in School Leadership, specialized in Professional Degree of Upper Secondary School Principal from the National Institute of Education (2021), Phnom Penh, Capital City of Kingdom of Cambodia. In 2022, he was awarded an ICCR scholarship to pursue a PhD in Political Science at University of Delhi, India. His research focuses on innovative education and technology integration within glonacal contexts.
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