A Concept of Political Vulnerability

This article introduces the concept of political vulnerability, arguing that it can deepen political science research on life-course dynamics. While political science has explored life-course effects on attitudes and behaviors, it has overlooked the role of vulnerability in shaping political change. This paper extends vulnerability research to political science by highlighting moments of heightened vulnerability, such as significant life events, social transitions, or major disruptions, when individuals are more likely to alter political preferences. These include entering adulthood, marriage, divorce, and large-scale events like economic crises. Such events vary in timing and occurrence, complicating their identification as universal catalysts for political change. The paper outlines a framework for analyzing political vulnerability over the life course, integrating psychological, sociological, and political insights. This interdisciplinary approach can help explain political behavior across diverse populations and inform policy interventions aimed at stabilizing or leveraging these critical moments for civic engagement.