Constructing youth: Young people as problem, risk, and opportunity

Constructing youth: Young people as problem, risk, and opportunity 18 November 2024 This paper explores the evolving perceptions and constructions of youth, focusing on their political engagement and societal roles. While youth is often defined by age or transitional life stages, it is increasingly understood as a social construct shaped by socio-political and cultural contexts. Historically, the concept of youth emerged alongside industrialization, modernization, and urbanization, framing young people as both a “problem” and a group requiring regulation and intervention. This perception persists, with youth often depicted as delinquents, agents of social unrest, or a vulnerable group at risk due to unemployment, social exclusion, and marginalization. The study also examines how contemporary EU policies continue to oscillate between viewing youth as a problem and as a resource for societal development, highlighting the tensions in these dual narratives. Furthermore, it discusses the instrumentalization of youth in policies aimed at fostering “active citizenship” and how this perpetuates an individualization of structural issues. By analyzing historical and contemporary discourses, the paper underscores the need to challenge reductionist views and adopt a more nuanced understanding of youth as active agents in shaping their social and political environments. Powered By EmbedPress

Challenges of researching young people’s political participation outside the ballot box

Challenges of researching young people’s political: Participation outside the ballot box 18 November 2024 This paper critically examines youth political participation, challenging the pervasive narrative of political apathy among young people in democratic societies. While traditional studies often equate low electoral engagement with disinterest in politics, emerging evidence highlights young people’s preference for alternative and informal forms of political participation. Using examples from Slovenia, such as the referendum on the Water Act Amendment and environmental protests, the study demonstrates how youth-led activities redefine politics through direct action, networks, and civil society initiatives. Drawing on theoretical perspectives and critiques of narrow definitions of political participation, the paper advocates for a broader understanding that includes everyday political actions, both online and offline. By incorporating youth voices and recognizing the interplay between political, social, and private spheres, this research emphasizes the importance of moving beyond binary categorizations of political participation. Ultimately, the study underscores the transformative potential of youth political agency in reshaping democratic practices and fostering dialogue between policymakers and young people. Powered By EmbedPress