Young People and Politics workshop

Mon, 23 Dec 2013 15:17:00 GMT

Dr Andy Mycock began proceedings with an overview of the impact of the YCC's work since 2009 and current issues relating to youth participation and the study of politics since the formation of the current coalition government

A workshop organised by Dr Andy Mycock (University of Huddersfield) and Professor Jon Tonge (University of Liverpool) was held in Liverpool on 1 November 2013 which discussed youth citizenship and democratic participation. The workshop was kindly funded by the Political Studies Association (PSA) and involved members of the Young People's Politics specialist group, which was formed in 2012 and has been active in developing knowledge about how young people understand and engage with Politics.

The PSA has adopted a proactive approach to the development of political literacy and democratic participation amongst young people and this has been reflected in the growing numbers studying Politics in secondary, further and higher education. Scholars have also been active in promoting politics through youth engagement events based in their host universities, schools and local communities as well as contributing to national initiatives such as the Economic and Social Research Council's annual Festival of Social Science.

Youth Citizenship Commission

Members of the PSA have also proven instrumental in developing evidence-based policy responses to issues of youth political activism through cutting-edge research. Professor Tonge was invited to chair a Youth Citizenship Commission (YCC) in 2008, with two other PSA members, Professor Philip Cowley (University of Nottingham) and Dr. Mycock also appointed to serve as commissioners.

The YCC reported directly to then UK Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, in June 2009, outlining sixteen policy proposals to increase young people's participation in politics and promote active citizenship. It also recommended that the voting age should not be lowered, but that the UK government should consider allowing devolved administrations to do so. The Labour government accepted most of the YCCs proposals in a response published in January 2010. 

The workshop brought together PSA members to encourage governments across the UK to adopt proactive approaches to encouraging youth political literacy, particularly through the study of Politics and democratic participation.

Professor Tonge and Dr. Mycock began proceedings with an overview of the impact of the YCC's work since 2009 and current issues relating to youth participation and the study of politics since the formation of the current coalition government. During the afternoon, delegates presented a series of brief overviews of specific issues influencing youth citizenship:

  • Professor David Kerr (University of Bristol) discussed how to enhance political education in schools and universities
  • Dr Ben Kisby (University of Lincoln) and Dr. James Sloam (Royal Holloway, London) focused on strengthening youth participation in democracy
  • Dr Jacqui Briggs (University of Lincoln) highlighted issues concerning young women and politics
  • Emily Rainsford (University of Southampton) assessed political parties and the role of young people
  • Dr Craig Berry (University of Sheffield) discussed issues of young people and voting
  • Dr. Mark Shepherd (University of Strathclyde) analysed the contribution of young people in the forthcoming Scottish Independence Referendum
  • Professor Gerry Stoker (University of Southampton) drew proceeding to a close, summarising the day's events and outlining issues for further discussion regarding youth engagement with politics.

Publication

The workshop contributors intend to publish an edited volume of short position pieces assessing current youth citizenship policy strategies, with further invited contributors to be drawn from the PSA and others interested groups such as the British Youth Council. An executive summary of policy proposals to strengthen youth citizenship and the study of politics in schools, colleges and universities will also be published. A second meeting will be held at the Royal Holloway, University of London in January 2014.

The intended publication date will be April 2014 and formally launched at the PSA annual conference in Manchester and at two special events to be held in London and Edinburgh. A special panel will be convened on the initiative at a PSA Young People's Politics specialist group conference to be held at the University of Lincoln in June 2014.

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