Eeva Luhtakallio et al., "Youth Participation and Democracy: Cultures of Doing Society" (Bristol UP, 2024)
Feb 25, 2025
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Veiko Erranti, an associate professor of urban sociology at the University of Helsinki, dives into the innovative concept of 'doing society' in relation to youth participation in democracy. They discuss how Finnish youth leverage a range of engagement tactics, from social movements like Extinction Rebellion to social media activism. The conversation highlights the shift towards individualism in political activism and its implications for community engagement and democratic structures. Intriguingly, they analyze how cultural trends influence young people's roles in shaping society.
The concept of 'doing society' challenges traditional notions of political action by encompassing diverse youth engagement methods, from memes to social movements.
Individualization in youth activism enhances immediate responsiveness but raises concerns about potential risks to solidarity and communal accountability in democratic practices.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Youth Participation in Democracy
Recent research highlights the changing landscape of youth participation in democratic processes, particularly in Finland. The authors aimed to explore the dynamics of youth involvement by adopting a holistic approach that moves beyond traditional categorizations and examines the cultural and structural factors influencing participation. By focusing on everyday experiences and activities, the researchers sought to understand how young people engage with democracy in various forms, from participatory budgeting initiatives to activism. This comprehensive examination reveals the complexities and challenges faced by youth as they navigate political landscapes shaped by technological advancements and societal shifts.
Methodological Innovation in Research
The research project utilized a combination of innovative methodologies, integrating ethnographic work with traditional qualitative research, surveys, and computational text analysis. This multifaceted approach allowed researchers to gather rich, qualitative data while also seeking broader trends and patterns through quantitative analysis. For example, they conducted extensive interviews with young activists, surveyed youth participation in various democratic initiatives, and analyzed discussions from online forums to gain insights into political engagement. This methodological diversity strengthens the findings and encourages a deeper understanding of youth participation in a complex sociopolitical context.
Cultural Tools for Political Engagement
The book builds on the concept of cultural tools to understand how young people imagine and act upon their political agency. Drawing from American cultural sociology and European pragmatism, the authors explore the interplay between individual agency and collective action, defining the concept of 'doing society' to encompass various forms of participation. This framework highlights how cultural resources influence youths' civic imaginations, shaping their potential for impactful engagement in society. By recognizing the cultural dimensions of participation, the study provides a nuanced perspective on the motivations and aspirations driving youth activism today.
Implications of Individualization on Democratic Practices
The research addresses the implications of individualization on youth political engagement, questioning whether contemporary trends pose a threat to democratic practices. As young activists increasingly identify as autonomous entities rather than members of larger collectives, this shift raises concerns about solidarity and collective accountability in activism. The researchers argue that while individualization may facilitate rapid, responsive action, it simultaneously risks undermining communal responsibility and shared goals. Ultimately, the findings prompt a reevaluation of how democratic engagement is conceptualized and practiced in an increasingly individualistic society.
How do young people participate in democratic societies? Youth Participation and Democracy: Cultures of Doing Society (Bristol UP, 2024) introduces the concept of ‘doing society’ as a new theory of political action. Focused on Finnish youth, it innovatively blends cutting-edge empirical research with agenda-setting theoretical development. Redefining political action, the authors expand beyond traditional public-sphere, scaling from formal to informal and unconventional modes of engaging. The book captures diverse engagement from memes to social movements, from participatory budgeting to street parties and from sleek politicians to detached people in the margins. In doing so, it provides a holistic view of the ways in which young people participate (or do not participate) in society, and their role in cultural change.