(Ecns.cn)--Fewer young people than senior citizens are engaging in politics in rural areas, according to a report on the development of China's farmers released Monday by the Center of Chinese Rural Studies at Central China Normal University.
The report is based on a survey of 4,794 rural households in 270 villages across 31 provinces. 57.3% of youth under the age of 30 voted in elections, according to the survey, while the proportions of the age groups 30-39 was 78.3%，40-49 was 80.1%，50-59 was 81.3% and 60-and-above was 78.9%.
Youth are also less active in local political meetings and administrative affairs, compared to those above 60 years old.
Deng Dacai, vice head of the Center of Chinese Rural Studies, pointed out that job mobility, low social status, pursuit of maximum economic interests, low democratic awareness, and a lack of knowledge about participation channels are the main causes.
"To solve the problem, the government should improve related systems, develop local economies, enhance rural education, increase channels of communication and raise the social status of farmers," added Deng.
