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.

Contributes to an under-represented academic field surrounding 21st century youths and political participation Discusses topical issues such as lowering the voting age to 16 and the use of social media during elections Makes comparisons with other European countries when considering the extent and effects of young people's political participation in the UK

Autorentext

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.

Inhalt

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.