YOUTH 2020 - The position of young people in Slovenia

Consumer behaviour and consumer activities  313 Figure 9.7: Social engagement – boycotted the purchase of certain products for political, ethical, or environmental reasons. 10% 20% 30% 50% 40% 60% 70% 80% Already have. 11.1 53.7 6.2 68.3 35.2 25.1 Probably would. Definitely would not 2020 2010 0% Sources: Mladina 2010, Mladina 2020. Almost half (46.3%) of young people in 2020 have or are likely to boycott certain products for political, ethical, or environmental reasons. This proportion has increased by 15.3% since 2010. The above finding of a strong presence of political consumerism as an el- ement of do-it-yourself politics among Slovenian young people is also confirmed by the fact that about half of them (49.5%) would or have bought certain products for political, ethical, or environmental reasons. This is mainly about showing active support and financing political, eth- ical, and environmental initiatives through various products and services supported by young people, and not so much about avoiding unsustaina- ble practices. Both ‘negative veto’ (avoidance) and positive support for various practices through consumption behaviour are therefore modes of socio-political action that are quite widespread among young people and clearly show the depth and breadth of young people’s politicisation.