Beyond the romance of participatory youth research

The purpose of this chapter is to move beyond the often romanticised image of youth participatory research, and towards critical youth studies that embrace reflexive, clear, and rigorous methodologies. This argument follows the problematisatino of current research trends to “go…beyond surface illusions…uncover the real structures in the materials world… [and] help people change conditions and build a better world for themselves” (Neuman 1997, 74). Following a brief overview of youth participation – particularly in research – this chapter critiques selected exemplars to bring to the fore power dynamics and research implications. The chapter then concludes by highlighting key issues, particularly for researchers; presenting conversation-starters to invite the research community to question its practices and to further its dialogue; and calling for mythologies that will take critical youth studies into (if not beyond) the 21st Century. In this epoch of increasing accountability and transparency, methodologies that are reflexive, clear, and rigorous are likely to enable researchers to approach their craft as better-informed individuals