Youth in UK policies: instrumental construction or improved spaces for young people’s participation

Book synopsis: The twenty-first century, young people are often associated with negative representations. If we rely on political discourse, the media and public opinion in the United Kingdom and France, the young would be an idle and dangerous for the social generation. However, as this book shows, the main challenge facing governments on both sides of the Channel for the decline of traditional forms of youth participation in politics. With contributions from sociologists and political scientists of youth, this book addresses the issues of political commitment, citizenship and youth policy changes. In both countries, there is a confrontation between two main types of youth policies. First, a "repressive" component that uses public facilities based on stigma and social control, then a new "support" section to promote citizenship and participation in public life and to encourage renewed forms of political engagement. Although promising, this second approach is not devoid of tensions and contradictions as well as highlight the work gathered here