Penn State

Consortium forSocial Movements and Education
Research and Practice

Youth Participation in U.S. Contexts: Student Voice Without a National Mandate

Youth Participation in U.S. Contexts: Student Voice Without a National Mandate

Dana L. Mitra, Stephanie Serriere, Ben Kirshner
2013
2013

Abstract

Mitra, D., Serriere, S., & Kirshner, B. (2014). Youth participation in US contexts: Student voice without a national mandate. Children & Society28(4), 292-304.

Unlike the United Kingdom and other nations that mandate youth participation to some degree, U.S. policies instead tend to inhibit child participation rather than encourage it. Given these policy contexts, it can be challenging to locate spaces where robust opportunities for democratic participation and student voice exist. We use this article as an opportunity to examine the disciplinary, philosophical and methodological approaches that have framed youth participation in youth contexts. We conclude by identifying critical issues of citizenship and belonging that must be considered in participatory research.

Article
Our Research

Abstract

Mitra, D., Serriere, S., & Kirshner, B. (2014). Youth participation in US contexts: Student voice without a national mandate. Children & Society28(4), 292-304.

Unlike the United Kingdom and other nations that mandate youth participation to some degree, U.S. policies instead tend to inhibit child participation rather than encourage it. Given these policy contexts, it can be challenging to locate spaces where robust opportunities for democratic participation and student voice exist. We use this article as an opportunity to examine the disciplinary, philosophical and methodological approaches that have framed youth participation in youth contexts. We conclude by identifying critical issues of citizenship and belonging that must be considered in participatory research.

Social Movements

Student Activism, Youth Activism

Keywords

North America, Policy, Public Schooling

Theme

Social Movements Within; Through; and for Public Education

Related People

Dana Mitra