Projects

Youth Civic Engagement and Social Connection in Post-Industrial Society: a Comparative Study

Source: Australian Research Council

Timeframe: 2005-2007

This project analyses young Australians’ perceptions and practices of civic engagement, and compares this with similarly generated data from linked research projects in Italy, Germany, the UK and the Netherlands. It is an Australian contribution to an ongoing program of research within the international consortium.  The project focuses on an exploration of the range of reasons young people are turning away from traditional forms of civic participation and includes an identification of the distinctive and new features and indicators of civic participation amongst youth.

During 2006, Salem Younes provided research assistance to support the implementation of surveys in schools in three Victorian sites. Preliminary analysis of the survey data reveals the following picture. Far from being disengaged or uninterested in community, the young people place a high value on good relationships and good communication with their friends and family. Their main activities focus on sport and hanging around (including shopping) although overall consumption does not appear to be a key mode for socialising or identity building. Many were able to identify ‘scenes’ according to the appearance of groups of young people. Home is an important place: they enjoy spending time in their own homes and at their friends’, as well as at parties, and family relationships and home life are important to them. Information technologies have not replaced the importance of face-to-face interactions.

The project was funded by the ARC (2005 to 2007). Anita Harris (University of Queensland) and Johanna Wyn were Chief Investigators.

Contact: Johanna Wyn

Contact: j.wyn@unimelb.edu.au