Did the Arab Spring lead to economic, institutional and sociopolitical changes? An empirical analysis through the perceptions of Egyptian youth

Abstract

PurposeEgyptian youth played a central role in the Arab Spring (AS) uprisings, demanding bread, justice and opportunities. This paper examines the perceptions of young Egyptians about the AS through their responses on the economic, institutional and sociopolitical conditions in the pre-AS and post-AS periods.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical analysis relies on a micro-level dataset extracted from the SAHWA Youth Survey. The estimations are carried out through the bivariate ordered probit model.FindingsThe results reveal that the perceptions about the AS-related outcomes are not uniform, and that social values and ideological characteristics matter more than the standard socioeconomic attributes in comprehending the responses. They indicate that individuals with secularist, non-traditionalist and gender equality inclinations have generally formed more favorable perceptions about the AS-related changes. Also, the results suggest that the AS has generated propitious perceived conditions for further global connection, relative to the Arab and Islamic ties. They show that the perceptions of individuals who place credence in entrepreneurial attitude have been relatively unfavorable vis-à-vis the post-AS conditions.Originality/valueThe findings underscore the importance of comprehending the perceptions about the AS-related outcomes. They imply that the AS has produced “winners” and “losers,” and has laid down the basis for social transformations in Egypt.