Young Citizens

Recent years have witnessed growing concerns about the disengagement of young people from conventional politics both in Britain and internationally. Their non-participation is often viewed as reflecting both a deeper political alienation and 'apathy' amongst young people, and a wider political malaise across western societies. Based upon a wide range of UK and European survey sources, together with qualitative and policy-focused analyses, this volume explores the attitudes of young people to politics and government in Britain and assesses the prospects for re-engaging young people with the formal political process. Young Citizens will be a valuable reference for academics, researchers, policy makers and practitioners in the fields of sociology, social policy, citizenship studies and youth studies. Contents: Introduction: a disconnected generation?; Politics, participation and public policy; Exploring youth and civic participation; Youth, voting and political participation; Attitudes to political engagement; Youth participation: a European comparative perspective; Talking politics: youth, political efficacy and trust; Talking politics: youth and political action; Policy implications; Bibliography; Appendix; Index.