BEYOND APATHY: DYNAMICS OF YOUTH POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN CONTEMPORARY EUROPE

Date

2023-12-31

Author

Eroğlu, Ekin

Metadata

Show full item record

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Item Usage Stats

390
views

303
downloads

Cite This

This thesis explores the complex landscape of youth participation in politics, by challenging the critiques of apathy by underlining on the frequently overlooked contributions of young people to international politics. Despite the scepticism regarding the engagement of youth in traditional politics, this study contends that youth decreased engagement shows a pursuit for alternative political methods beyond the restrains of existing mechanisms. The research delves into socio-economic, cultural, and institutional factors that influence and impede youth participation in conventional politics. In contrast, it highlights the emergence of varying participations of young people themselves or facilitated by adults, emphasizing a transformation in the understanding of citizenship, democracy, and participation. The research emphasizes that the participation of the youth should be analysed not entirely within the traditional political spectrum but within a broader context which encompasses alternative forms of participation. Focusing on Europe as a centre for youth-related agendas, the thesis examines the impact of neoliberal practices on youth participation. Utilizing a transnational analysis, the research surpasses borders to investigate the evolving prospects of youth participation practices by questioning the efficacy of longstanding EU institutions: European Youth Parliament, European Youth Forum, and European Youth Partnership. The findings reveal dissatisfaction among young people, leading them to adopt new participation methods in contrast to traditional approaches that often necessitate consensus within the framework of the "EU project." The thesis critically analyzes the repercussion of neoliberal practices on youth participation. Ultimately, this research contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of youth engagement by recognizing alternative avenues

Subject Keywords

Youth, Participation, European Union, Neoliberalism

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11511/107736

Collections

Graduate School of Social Sciences, Thesis