Youth Civic Participation in Local Government

Abstract

The pertinence of t topic stems from the growing importance of research into the formation and development of social institutions of civic participation of youth in local government. Based on the empirical data obtained, the study aims to analyze forms of civic participation of young people in socio-political processes at the municipal level. It also attempts to determine the factors that promote and hinder the active participation of young people in socio-political processes and to identify the main trends and forecasts of civic engagement of Russian youth in municipalities. The article presents an analysis of theoretical, regulatory and legal sources that empirically reveal the main factors that determine the expansion of the participation of Russian youth in the activities of municipalities. The paper describes the results of an empirical study conducted in October-December 2020 on the inclusion of young people in the management of processes in different municipalities. The data collection method is a questionnaire survey of young people aged 14-30 (n = 2026 people) living in the territory of the Russian Federation. In addition to quantitative research methods, qualitative ones were also used: in January 2021, the author conducted an expert interview with ten experts in youth policy and civic participation of Russian youth. Finally, the author formulates conclusions and recommendations aimed at strengthening the social institutions of civic participation of young people, increasing their civic engagement in municipalities. The results of the study allowed the author to conclude that currently there is the active participation of young people in socio-political processes in municipalities. In the opinion of most experts, soon, dominant positions will be occupied by political forms (including illegitimate ones); new forms of civic activity, such as performances, flash mobs, street events, and online activities, will become popular. There are trends in the development of digitalization of youth civic engagement. As for recommendations for enhancing civic participation in local self-government, the authors propose to develop an appropriate social and civic infrastructure, a legitimate and working legal field, create community centers and platforms for organizing an effective and mutual dialogue between local governments, youth, public organizations for productive dialogue in solving issues of participation in socio-political processes.