Northampton Electronic Collection of Theses and Research

Another white elephant? Youth councils as democratic structures

Matthews, M. H. and Limb, M. (2003) Another white elephant? Youth councils as democratic structures. Space and Polity. 7(2), pp. 173-192. 1470-1235.

Item Type: Article
Abstract: UK society has probably never witnessed the kind of activism now emerging to tackle the roots of age-based discrimination and inequality. Everyone appears to be consulting and listening to children. The most favoured response by statutory and voluntary agencies for encouraging children and young people's participation has been the setting up of youth councils. This paper considers the extent to which youth councils enable participatory citizenship and democratic participation. In so doing, the commonplace suggestion that young people exhibit a lack of enthusiasm for involvement in 'political' matters and issues of local representation is challenged. The concept of active citizenship is mobilised to highlight particular ethical and methodological issues that need to be addressed at a local level if successful partnership working that includes young people is to be achieved
Additional Information: RAE2008 UoA45
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Women > HQ793 Youth. Adolescents. Teenagers
J Political Science > JF Political institutions (General) > JF799 Political rights. Political participation
Creators: Matthews, M H and Limb, Melanie
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Education & Humanities
Date: 1 August 2003
Date Type: Publication
Page Range: pp. 173-192
Journal or Publication Title: Space and Polity
Volume: 7
Number: 2
Language: English
ISSN: 1470-1235
Status: Published / Disseminated
Refereed: Yes
URI: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/127

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