Young People and Political Participation: Teen Players

by Jacqueline Briggs

Overview

This book analyses the various ways and the extent to which young people participate in politics, focusing primarily on the UK and including cross-national comparisons where relevant. It covers topics including: what is meant by political participation; youth political participation on a pan-European basis; new social media and youth political participation; whether the voting age should be lowered to 16; youth participation at the local level; and young women and political participation. Written in a lively and engaging style, the book provides a detailed investigation into the extent to which young people in the twenty-first century are interested and participate in politics. The author has included interviews with many young people, as well as with academics and specialists in the field. The book’s greatest contribution is to the debate surrounding whether or not the voting age should be lowered to 16 – a timely and thought-provoking analysis.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780230298675
Publisher:	Palgrave Macmillan UK
Publication date:	11/09/2016
Edition description:	1st ed. 2016
Pages:	280
Product dimensions:	5.83(w) x 8.27(h) x (d)

About the Author

Jacqueline Briggs is Head of the School of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Lincoln, UK. She was Vice Chair of the Political Studies Association UK from 2011-14. She is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences, on the Board of the Campaign for Social Sciences, and a Fellow of the RSA. In 2015, she chaired the Quality Assurance Agency review of the subject benchmarking statements for Politics and International Relations.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements.- 1. Young People and Political Participation: Is there an issue about young people and politics?.- 2. Political Participation: theories of participation.- 3. Young People and Participation in Europe.- 4. New Media and Political Participation.- 5. Should sixteen and seventeen year olds be given the right to vote?.- 6. Youth Political Participation at Local Level.-7. Gender and Political Participation.- 8. Conclusion.- Bibliography.- Index.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“As public cynicism and discontent in politics and politicians plumb new lows, most especially among the young, the need for a serious and authoritative diagnosis of the problems and assessment of alternative approaches is more urgent than ever. This engaging new volume, based on original cross-national research, offers a thoroughgoing examination of young people and political participation, outlining important recommendations for the future of academic discourse and public policy around this much misunderstood topic, which deserve to be heeded.” (Professor Paul Carmichael, Ulster University, Ireland)

“In the wake of the Brexit vote, this engaging text is both timely and necessary. Jacqui Briggs has skilfully delivered a detailed and incisive study of young people and political participation which should be read by researchers, policy-makers and others interested in how we can enhance youth citizenship.” (Dr Andy Mycock, University of Huddersfield, UK)

“For too long the younger generations have been the punch line of politics. This book highlights the issues young people face participating in politics, such as voting rights for 16-17 year olds, as well as the positives that young people bring to the political environment. Literature dedicated to young people in politics can only be beneficial in promoting the importance of youth engagement in politics.” (Councillor Terence Smith, Mayor of Goole, UK)