Perspectives on Student Political Activism

Student political activism is a highly complex, multi-faceted phenomenon. It is very difficult to explain and even more problematic to predict. It is not surprising that there is no overarching theoretical explanation for it. Yet understanding the configurations of student politics is important. Political leaders would do well not only to listen to student protest movements but also to understand their dynamics, since regimes have been threatened or even toppled by student protests. The academic community also needs to understand student activism, as from time to time students have been key actors in movements for university reform and have also disrupted academic institutions. Moreover, the activists themselves should be fully aware of the history, politics and potential of student protest movements since, as has often been said, those who do not know the past are doomed to repeat it. This essay will posit some general perspectives on student politics although it will stop short of that elusive goal of developing a comprehensive theoretical framework for understanding student movements.