Youth Perspectives on Participation

Narrow conceptions of politics and limited forums for engaging with young people’s views typically present young people as apathetic, frivolous or alienated. However, young people in both Australia and the UK are engaged in a diverse range of individual and group-based activities. These include activities associated with social movements, such as signing petitions, attending rallies and events (Roker and Eden, 2002; Saha et al, 2005; Vromen, 2003), traditional volunteering (Attwood et al., 2003; Brown et al., 2003; Ferner et al, 2004), formal consultations (Bridgland Sorenson, 2007; Matthews, 2001; Roker and Eden, 2002) and informal and routine activities rooted in local and everyday relationships and organisations (Harris and Wyn, 2009). Furthermore, when a broad view of politics and political participation is taken, young people demonstrate a significant level of awareness and ability to articulate political concepts and issues as experienced in everyday life (Marsh et al., 2007: 210). It is also clear that young people are ‘joiners’ in local community organisations, activities and online sites and networks (Harris et al., 2007).