Abstract

The weakening of trust in democracy and the rise of authoritarian discourse have marked the recent political scene in Chile, especially among young people. This article identifies the association between preferences for democratic and/or authoritarian systems in relation to forms of political participation among young Chileans (aged 15-29). Data from the 2022 National Youth Survey and multiple correspondence analysis were used to distinguish groups according to their attitudes toward governance and political participation. The results show that the 15-19 age group is more disinterested in institutional politics and prefers authoritarian systems, while participation in social movements is associated with a greater appreciation of democracy. It is concluded that it is necessary to broaden the understanding of youth political participation and warn about the potential for democratic erosion in Chile. © 2025, Universidad Cientifica del Sur. All rights reserved.