To make a difference in the longer term, it is essential that young people are engaged in formal political processes and have a say in formulating today’s and tomorrow’s politics. Inclusive political participation is not only a fundamental political and democratic right but also is crucial to building stable and peaceful societies and developing policies that respond to the specific needs of younger generations. For young people to be adequately represented in political institutions, processes, and decision-making, and in particular in elections, they must know their rights and be given the necessary knowledge and capacity to participate in a meaningful way at all levels.
When there are obstacles to participating in formal, institutionalized political processes, young people can rapidly feel disempowered Many tend to believe that their voices are not going to be heard or that they will not be taken seriously even if they are heard. The problem becomes circular as politicians may lose interest in responding to the aspirations of young people if they cannot win their votes. This in turn leads to young people being increasingly excluded from taking part in decision-making, or in debates about key socio-economic and political issues, despite their sensitivity to the demands for social equity and justice, environmental protection and cultural diversity.
In new and emerging democracies, the inclusion of young people in formal political processes is important from the start. See Annex: A Spotlight on Countries in Transition. Young people’s active contributions can bring democratic values to life, leading to the overturning of authoritarian practices. In countries where young people have led protests that have forced authoritarian regimes from power, they are likely to feel significant frustration if they are not included in new formal decision-making procedures. This can destabilize democratization and accelerate conflict dynamics.
EMBs and other electoral stakeholders have a role to play in promoting young people’s participation in formal decision-making processes. For this role to be effective, it is necessary to understand the interconnected nature of the obstacles to participation in these processes that young people encounter.
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Strategies for child and youth participation are now a routine part of working with young people – entrenched in policy and approaches of governments and nongovernment organizations alike. Since 1989 the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) has provided a cornerstone for youth participation. Over the course of the last three decades, the dominant approach to youth participation has typically involved young people in more formalized, public models oriented toward decision-making. These models, the UNCRC, and youth participation as a whole, have been subjected to sustained critique across a number of fronts. Notwithstanding these criticisms, we still argue for meaningfully including children and young people in democratic cultures and processes.
We focus on new ways of “doing” youth participation emerging from recognizing youth participation in everyday contexts and the value of child- and youth-initiated participation. We argue that in pursuing the democratic inclusion of young people, it is necessary to reflect on the purpose of youth participation and draw upon and nurture a multiplicity of youth participation forms. While valuing these diverse forms of youth participation, the chapter highlights the decisive role adults often play in determining whether, when, where, and how extensive youth participation may be. We conclude by arguing that if the ultimate aim of youth participation is to include young people in democratic cultures and processes, then relying on well-meaning adults inclined to promote such inclusion is far from sufficient. Instead, we need conditions that require adults to democratically include young people and be responsive to their diverse needs and interests.
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Kraft, C., Manning, N. (2023). Youth Participation and Young People’s Democratic Inclusion. In: Wyn, J., Cahill, H., Cuervo, H. (eds) Handbook of Children and Youth Studies. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-4451-96-3_119-1
DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-4451-96-3_119-1
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Published : 06 July 2023
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The contemporary political climate in America holds immense tension, yielded by Donald Trump and Joe Biden. Common discussion in the day-to-day lives of citizens includes Black Lives Matter, climate change, racism, and a multitude of other deep-rooted issues. Despite the current relevance of these topics, each issue is rooted within the foundations of American government- an aspect we are all affected by.
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June 21, 2021
Inquiry-driven, this article reflects personal views, aiming to enrich problem-related discourse.
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We may not be physically present at protests nor directly affected by a new bill, but each decision within politics acts as the first part of a chain reaction. Each decision trickles down into daily life- perhaps in the taxes of your school that changes procedures; your favorite restaurant that closes earlier; and numerous other lifestyle changes.
Given the current polarity of American politics, these issues and decisions are often overlooked by teenagers. The threat of being deemed ignorant or unintelligent by peers weighs heavily on us all, with the notion that our voices are irrelevant. This could not be further from the truth, in the most literal sense. In some states, you can pre-register to vote at 16 years old. This ability was studied by Anthony Fowler at the University of Chicago, who found that allowing future voters to pre-register increases both registration and turnout by 2.1 percentage points. Waiting to care for politics until you turn 18 means a lack of understanding, a lack of knowledge, and subsequently a lack of ability to make political choices that are important to you.
By informing yourself early on, you can be better prepared to vote for candidates who have the same priorities as you, whether that be climate change, gun control, or abortion, etc. You can encourage others around you to do the same. Use your voice by casting your vote.
An article by Lexi Anderson of Pratt Institute encompasses this notion quite well. Understanding politics is, “a definitive way to navigate your own moral and ideological compass.” Informing yourself can only act to your benefit.
This year, the national turnout for young voters was estimated to be 52-55%. This is compared to the 2016 presidential election, where there was a 42-44% estimate.
So in 2016, less than half of citizens ages 18 to 29 voted in 2016’s presidential election. That’s compared to 71% of those 65+. How sad is it that the very generation whose future will be affected by those being elected into office, isn’t even voting? We are letting a generation that won’t have to deal with the effects of their actions make decisions that will affect our generation’s futures.
Many times, young people complain about how policies don’t represent what they want. Is that really a surprise? Not only do young people have a lower voter turnout and lower political participation, but the average age of House Members at the beginning of the 116th Congress was 57.6years, and that number increases to 62.9 years for Senators.
You can’t expect older politicians to be able to address and fulfill all young people’s needs. But by participating in politics at a young age, you have the opportunity to make a change.
One of the most important things young voters should know before getting involved in politics is that your voice matters. Even if you can’t vote, there are many things you can do. These include signing petitions, registering others to vote, and contacting those representing you. Start a political club in your community, help inform others, or help a local campaign. The possibilities are endless.
I had the amazing opportunity to talk to former presidential candidate Andrew Yang about his thoughts a few weeks ago on a Zoom call Q&A session with some other young people interested in politics.
My question: “How can we encourage more young people to get interested in politics or at least be willing to learn?”
Yang: “That’s a great point and this is something I’m passionate about. That’s one of the reasons I got a Tiktok.” (You can follow Andrew Yang on Tiktok @officialandrewyang).
“We have to make politics interesting for young people because if you’re 15, 16, and I just talk to you about something future-oriented and boring then it’s like, ‘well that sucks.’ So I think we should meet people where they are honest. You have to try and make politics fun and alive. And our politicians are bad at that. So I don’t blame young people. I blame our politicians, frankly.”
Yang then went on to say, “I would love to lower the voting age to 16, myself. Because then every American high school becomes like voter central. And then instead of saying ‘hey it’s in the abstract…’ There are so many good reasons to lower the voting age to 16.”
“One, everyone registers, because you’re in high school, and, you know, it’s pretty easy to find you. You’re all in the same place. The younger you are the first time you vote, the more likely you are to vote the entire time. Policies would skew towards young people more because right now old people vote and young people less so. You can pay taxes starting at 16 so why can you not know where your taxes go. You can start driving at 16 so how can you be trusted with a car and not a vote? So there are all these great reasons to lower the voting age to 16.”
“In the meantime, I would try to get people interested by saying, ‘look, there’s something that’s going to be very pressing for you eventually so might as well get started on it.’ The other thing I say is you might not be able to vote, but you can bug a voter. You can get one person to vote and then it’s like you voted!”
Andrew Yang brought up several great points in his response, all of which I agree with. Politics, a lot of the time, can seem uninteresting to our generation. With the rise of social media, many politicians have used platforms like Instagram and Tiktok to engage with young voters.
Some of these include Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio Cortez on Instagram, with 8.2 million followers. Jon Ossoff, candidate for the US Senate has recently been using Tiktok to win over young voters down in Georgia, and get them to vote in the runoff election on January 5th.
With an abundance of politics-oriented social media accounts and the flow of information so readily available through social media, it is extremely easy for youth to inform themselves. If you want to learn about a particular issue but don’t want to read an entire lengthy article, there are various videos online that break each issue down.
There isn’t just one way to get involved in politics, there are so many different ways to acquire information and get involved. Our democracy was created to give the people what they want. For our government to best reflect the needs and wants of citizens, it is up to us to get involved and make a change. Young people hold valuable information and the knowledge to make the changes that previous generations have not.
https://www.usa.gov/voter-registration-age-requirements
https://circle.tufts.edu/latest-research/election-week-2020#youth-voter-turnout-increased-in-2020
https://www.edsurge.com/news/2020-10-13-young-people-care-about-elections-they-just-don-t-always-show-up-to-vote-here-s-how-education-can-help
https://www.bridgealliance.us/7_ways_for_teens_to_get_involved_in_politics
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/08/upshot/youth-voting-2020-election.html
https://www.theodysseyonline.com/political-participation-importance/participating-will-expand-your-knowledge-and-relationships
https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R45583.pdf
https://studybreaks.com/thoughts/5-reasons-political-aware/
Jenna Rowen-Delson is a high school sophomore with a strong interest in politics and a passion for youth involvement in politics.
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On July 10, 2024, Rob Henderson’s video-style essay in the New York Times challenged the legitimacy of American college protests, accusing them of oversimplifying complex issues. Here’s why oversimplification is not always a failure of discourse.
India is hailed as the West's frontline against China, but its nostalgia for an outdated relationship not only weakens its own defenses but also makes the US's trust in the world's largest democracy look more like wishful thinking.
This author argues that democratic elections do not accurately represent constituent desires using social choice and political theory.
Students are often asked to write an essay on Role of Youth in Politics in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.
Let’s take a look…
Introduction.
Youth, the future of a nation, play a crucial role in politics. They are the backbone of a country who can lead towards progress.
Youths should be politically aware to understand the country’s issues. With their energy and fresh ideas, they can bring about significant changes.
Active participation in politics is vital. Youths can join political parties, participate in elections, or voice their opinions to contribute to the political process.
The role of youth in politics is significant. They can shape the future of the nation with their enthusiasm and innovative ideas.
Political participation.
Youth participation in politics is not just about voting; it extends to engaging in political debates, policy-making, and even holding political office. Their fresh perspectives and innovative ideas can contribute to the creation of more effective and relevant policies.
Young people, with their energy and passion, often serve as catalysts for political change. They are typically more open to embracing new ideas and are less constrained by traditional political ideologies. This makes them a potent force in challenging the status quo and pushing for political reform.
However, the path to political participation for the youth is not without challenges. They often face barriers such as age restrictions, lack of opportunities, and the perception that they are inexperienced. Overcoming these obstacles requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including the government, educational institutions, and civil society.
In conclusion, the youth’s role in politics is vital for the growth and development of a nation. They bring a fresh perspective, are willing to challenge the status quo, and are often at the forefront of political change. Encouraging and facilitating their participation in politics is essential for a vibrant and progressive political landscape.
The significance of youth in politics.
The role of youth in politics is pivotal, being the backbone of any nation. They represent the future and are responsible for shaping society’s political landscape. The youth’s energy, innovative ideas, and resilience can bring about significant changes in the political sphere, highlighting their importance in the process.
Representation and inclusion.
The youth constitutes a significant portion of the population in many countries. Hence, their representation in politics is crucial to ensure the interests of this demographic are catered to. Their active involvement in politics can lead to the inclusion of youth-centric policies, addressing issues like education, employment, and mental health.
Political awareness among the youth is essential for a robust democracy. It enables them to make informed decisions, participate in debates, and contribute to the political discourse. Their participation, either as voters or candidates, can significantly impact election outcomes.
The way forward.
Promoting youth participation in politics is a collective responsibility. Governments, educational institutions, and civil society organizations need to work together to foster an environment that encourages youth engagement in politics. It is also crucial for the youth to seize the opportunities and make their voices heard.
In conclusion, the role of youth in politics is integral to the development and progression of any nation. Their active participation can lead to a more inclusive and forward-thinking political landscape. As the leaders of tomorrow, the youth have the power to shape the future of their countries, making their involvement in politics not just desirable but necessary.
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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Youth — The Imperative of Youth Participation in the Electoral Process
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Words: 574 |
Published: Jun 13, 2024
Words: 574 | Page: 1 | 3 min read
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COMMENTS
Bárta (2021) points out that there are four main aims of youth political participation: Right-based aims: youth actually have access to mechanisms that enable them to participate effectively. Empowerment aims: youth speak their minds and express themselves freely regarding decision-making and political processes.
Inclusive political participation is not only a fundamental political and democratic right but also is crucial to building stable and peaceful societies and developing policies that respond to the specific needs of younger generations.
Youth participation should be understood as part of a wider democratic project that collaborates with children and young people to pursue their inclusion and participation as political equals.
The aim of this paper is to provide an informed critique of youth participation, by interrogating why the process of participation might be a desirable practice for youth practitioners, and whether these justifications hold up to critique.
This short essay provides an overview of the key conceptual issues regarding youth participation. It addresses why youth participation is important, both from a “human rights” perspective put forward by UNICEF and others and from an “impact on program results” perspective.
You can’t expect older politicians to be able to address and fulfill all young people’s needs. But by participating in politics at a young age, you have the opportunity to make a change. One of the most important things young voters should know before getting involved in politics is that your voice matters.
Youth participation in politics is not just about voting; it extends to engaging in political debates, policy-making, and even holding political office. Their fresh perspectives and innovative ideas can contribute to the creation of more effective and relevant policies.
This essay argues that encouraging youth participation in elections is essential for fostering a more inclusive, innovative, and forward-thinking political landscape.
The aim of this analysis is to explore these claims and to present contemporary understanding of young people’s political participation, specify the main forms of participation and motivating factors, as well as showing the main trends and challenges concerning youth political participation today.
To conduct the FGD, a script was drafted to address the youngsters’ perceptions and experiences about civic and political participation, including how politics is part of their daily lives, the main factors hindering and fostering participation, and the social and personal impacts of participation.