Young People and Political Participation

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.

• young people and politics
• voting age
• lowering the voting age
• young women and politics
• gender and politics
• youth participation
• society and young people
• democracy
• British Politics

“As public cynicism and discontent in politics and politicians plumb new lows, most especially among the young, the need for a serious and authoritative diagnosis of the problems and assessment of alternative approaches is more urgent than ever. This engaging new volume, based on original cross-national research, offers a thoroughgoing examination of young people and political participation, outlining important recommendations for the future of academic discourse and public policy around this much misunderstood topic, which deserve to be heeded.” (Professor Paul Carmichael, Ulster University, Ireland)

“In the wake of the Brexit vote, this engaging text is both timely and necessary. Jacqui Briggs has skilfully delivered a detailed and incisive study of young people and political participation which should be read by researchers, policy-makers and others interested in how we can enhance youth citizenship.” (Dr Andy Mycock, University of Huddersfield, UK)

“For too long the younger generations have been the punch line of politics. This book highlights the issues young people face participating in politics, such as voting rights for 16-17 year olds, as well as the positives that young people bring to the political environment. Literature dedicated to young people in politics can only be beneficial in promoting the importance of youth engagement in politics.” (Councillor Terence Smith, Mayor of Goole, UK)

• University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom

  Jacqueline Briggs

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.

Policies and ethics