The Participation of children and young people begins in there families. The first opportunity for children to participate is for example to make there own decisions or their freedom of expression. Other possibilities to partake are in nurseries, schools, at work, at university or in politics, economics or free organisations et cetera.
In this essay, I shall analyse the opportunities to participate at the political level. Needless to say, there are high chances to partake in school, because children and young people spend a lot of time there.
At first, we have to clarify, what is participation? Raingard Knauer and Benedict Sturzenhecker defined the term as follows:
Participation is understood as the right to freedom, equality and public participation ofthe citizen to partake in public discussion and decision-making of the society, state and institution, in an institutionalized or open form.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction to Participation
2. Definition and Theoretical Framework
3. Legal and Administrative Structure in Berlin
4. Practical Participation Projects
5. Critical Analysis and Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This essay aims to analyze the current opportunities for political participation for children and young people at the local government level in Berlin, evaluating whether these programs foster genuine democratic involvement or remain largely symbolic.
- The theoretical definition of democratic participation for youth.
- The municipal administrative structure in Berlin and its role in youth policy.
- Evaluation of specific projects such as children and youth parliaments and youth juries.
- The impact of local participation on long-term democratic engagement.
- The critique of "alibi participation" versus actual autonomy.
Excerpt from the book
Participation programs for children and youth at the local government level in Berlin
The Participation of children and young people begins in there families. The first opportunity for children to participate is for example to make there own decisions or their freedom of expression. Other possibilities to partake are in nurseries, schools, at work, at university or in politics, economics or free organisations et cetera.
In this essay, I shall analyse the opportunities to participate at the political level. Needless to say, there are high chances to partake in school, because children and young people spend a lot of time there.
At first, we have to clarify, what is participation? Raingard Knauer and Benedict Sturzenhecker defined the term as follows: Participation is understood as the right to freedom, equality and public participation of the citizen to partake in public discussion and decision-making of the society, state and institution, in an institutionalized or open form.
The concept of "participation" comes from the Latin: partem capere. Participation should be self-evident. Unfortunately this is often not offered in this way, especially for younger people. Children and young people are the keeper of democratic rights. They must not only be involved, they have the right to shape their environment in a democratic way.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction to Participation: Provides a contextual overview of how participation begins in the family and evolves through various institutional settings.
2. Definition and Theoretical Framework: Establishes a formal definition of participation based on societal and institutional rights while outlining the ordinal levels of involvement.
3. Legal and Administrative Structure in Berlin: Details the communal management structure and the legal obligations of districts to implement youth welfare services.
4. Practical Participation Projects: Reviews specific initiatives like the children and youth parliament, juries, and the Youth Bank in various Berlin districts.
5. Critical Analysis and Conclusion: Evaluates the efficacy of current programs, critiques "alibi participation," and addresses the necessity of democratic maturity and voting rights.
Keywords
Participation, Berlin, Youth Policy, Democracy, Local Government, Children and Youth Bureau, Autonomy, Civic Engagement, Youth Parliament, Youth Jury, Municipality, Urban Development, Social Life, Alibi Participation, Rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this essay?
The essay examines the landscape of youth participation programs within the local government structure of Berlin and assesses their effectiveness in promoting democratic autonomy.
Which theoretical concept of participation is used?
The author references the definition by Raingard Knauer and Benedict Sturzenhecker, which frames participation as the right to freedom, equality, and involvement in public decision-making.
What is the primary objective of the research?
The objective is to determine if existing participation opportunities actually empower youth or if they serve merely as symbolic gestures, often termed "alibi participation."
Which administrative level is analyzed?
The analysis focuses on the "commune" or municipal level, which is described as the level of government with the strongest proximity to the citizens.
What types of initiatives are discussed in the main body?
The text covers children and youth parliaments, youth juries, the "Kiezdetektive" project, and the Youth Bank model.
What are the main characteristics of the participation landscape?
Key characteristics include time-limited project structures, cooperation between public bureaus and private organizations, and the varying implementation across different Berlin districts.
How does the author define the outcome of current programs?
The author concludes that while many projects exist, "true" participation remains elusive, as many programs do not lead to genuine autonomy for young people.
What role do "children and youth bureaus" play in the districts?
These bureaus are responsible for implementing youth welfare services and coordinating projects in cooperation with schools and private organizations.
Why is the "Youth Bank" mentioned as a specific model?
The Youth Bank is highlighted as an example of a program that supports small, youth-led projects with funding and guidance, provided they meet criteria such as charitable intent and legal compliance.
What is the author's stance on the maturity of young people regarding voting?
The author argues that the common political excuse regarding the "lack of maturity" of youth is unfounded, as those who use it cannot provide a clear definition of what constitutes political maturity.
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- Sabrina Gumprich (Autor:in), 2010, Participation of children and youth at the local government level in Berlin, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/171133
