The impact of economic inequality and educational background in shaping how non-activist “Standby” youth in London experience environmental politics

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article investigates the impact of economic inequality and educational background in shaping how non-activist “standby” youth in London experience environmental politics. Focus groups were carried out with 33 young people aged 16 to 22 in three groups from higher and lower positions of socio-economic status and educational background. The intention of this article is to offer learning that signals a need for further research into the ways in which intersecting inequalities impact young people’s participation in environmental politics. The findings reveal that these “standby” young people have distinct experiences of their political agency in navigating the inequalities that impact their lives. Key to these understandings of agency are collective and individual feelings of efficacy and the ability to make positive change happen.