ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on political participation of young people coming from marginalised or minority positions. The focus is on young people’s own meaning-making: how they talk about their relationship to politics in terms of motivation, possibilities and barriers. By taking this approach, the authors respond to the lack of academic discussion concerning political participation of minority and marginalised youth. Based on findings from several studies, they highlight how for many young people politics continues to signify decision making in formal democratic institutions. According to this understanding of politics, participating requires specific knowledge and skills that young people usually lack. Still, a clear majority of participants the researchers observed and interviewed expressed interest in politics and the desire to take part. While many of the participants had experienced barriers to their participation, the reviewed data are also filled with episodes and expressions of affective and joyful engagement. The authors conclude that while young people’s creative ways of engaging with societal issues should indeed be celebrated, the inclusive or exclusive characteristics of political institutions should not be left unaccounted for. Rather, scholars should interrogate whether these institutions are equally welcoming and safe to all young people.
