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Life Dissatisfaction and Democracy: Why Optimism is Needed
Life Dissatisfaction and Democracy: Why Optimism is the Cure
Commentary by Victor Perton
The recently released report, Dissatisfaction with Democracy and Perceptions of Future Directions: Survey of Trust and Satisfaction in Australian Democracy: Additional Insights #2, draws on data from the Survey of Trust and Satisfaction in Australian Democracy conducted in June 2023. This study provides a deeper understanding of dissatisfaction with democracy in Australia, identifying three profiles of dissatisfied individuals and highlighting the critical role of life satisfaction, civic engagement, and trust in shaping attitudes toward democracy.
Life Dissatisfaction and Distrust of Democracy Are Linked
The findings reveal that individuals with low life satisfaction are more than three times more likely to be unsure about democracy's future and more than four times more likely to want to replace the current system entirely. These insights underscore the interplay between personal wellbeing and perceptions of democratic systems. Dissatisfaction, the report suggests, can be a healthy part of democracy when it drives constructive engagement rather than disengagement.
Similar findings have emerged in South Africa. In their article, South Africans are fed up with their prospects, and their democracy, according to latest social attitudes survey, Joleen Steyn Kotze of the University of the Free State and Benjamin Roberts of the Human Sciences Research Council explore the link between dissatisfaction with democracy and life satisfaction. Their research highlights that dissatisfaction with democracy is often tied to broader concerns about life prospects and overall wellbeing, showing that these patterns are not unique to Australia but are part of a wider global challenge.
Optimism is the Key to Life Satisfaction
The OECD Study on Social and Emotional Skills complements these findings, stating that "optimism has the highest relation to life satisfaction scores." Optimism, when nurtured, acts as a catalyst for resilience, wellbeing, and constructive participation. It equips individuals with the mindset to envision and work toward a better future, even amidst dissatisfaction.
"When we talk about life satisfaction, optimism has been found to be the highest performing factor. That means if you have a more positive outlook on life, you are likely to have a much more satisfied life." This is the wisdom of Elyse Nijsse, Psychosocial Safety Specialist and my valued former colleague at Yarra Valley Water đŸ’¦. Elyse's insight beautifully captures optimism's transformative power in fostering resilience and life satisfaction. Read more here.
In its 2023 report, Social and Emotional Skills for Better Lives, the OECD emphasizes the importance of fostering optimism in young people. The policy recommendation is to "Cultivate students' optimism to improve their wellbeing and health outcomes." We can create a more hopeful and engaged society over the long term by embedding optimism in education and community programs.
Steps to Embed Optimism in Democratic Engagement
Addressing dissatisfaction with democracy begins with improving life satisfaction and fostering optimism. Practical steps include:
- Educational Initiatives: Schools can teach optimism and resilience as core skills, helping young people see challenges as opportunities for growth.
- Community Conversations: Leaders and citizens can start dialogues with questions like, "What makes you optimistic about our future?" to foster collective hope and identify solutions.
- Gratitude Practices: Rigorous studies demonstrate that gratitude journaling and expressing thanks can increase happiness, improve mental health, and enhance optimism. Gratitude practices support physical health through better sleep, reduced anxiety, and lower inflammation. Encouraging gratitude as a cultural habit can amplify optimism and life satisfaction. Learn more here.
- Leadership Focus: Infectiously optimistic leadership can inspire trust and engagement while addressing systemic issues in democratic institutions.
These actions align with the findings of the Survey of Trust and Satisfaction in Australian Democracy by addressing underlying wellbeing factors that influence democratic engagement.
A Call to Action: Building Hopeful Engagement
These reports' findings and similar global studies serve as a powerful reminder of the need to integrate optimism into democratic life. Optimism does not ignore challenges—it reframes them as opportunities to improve. By cultivating optimism in schools, communities, and leadership, we can inspire greater trust and engagement in democracy.
Reflection Questions:
- How can optimism-building strategies improve perceptions of democracy in Australia and globally?
- What role can educators, leaders, and communities play in fostering optimism to drive positive change?
The question remains: What makes you optimistic about the future of democracy? Share your thoughts and join the conversation about building a more hopeful and engaged society.
Read more: OECD Finds Optimism is the Key to Teenage Wellbeing.
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