What does it mean to be an “engaged citizen”?

This chapter begins the critical synthesis of the study of youth participation by considering the competing conceptual definitions that have been utilized to describe engagement and have served as the basis of contrasting theoretical frameworks of youth participation. This chapter charts how the concept of engagement has evolved from a "bulls-eye" approach focused on direct forms of political action, to one that differentiates these modes into quadrants or a "box-like" approach, to a broader "umbrella-like" depiction in which a number of activities both political and non-political fall under the category of engagement. This background leads to a discussion of the study of youth political participation and conclusions that have been drawn about its quality that are then plotted along a continuum ranging from "disengaged", to "engaged differently", to "better engaged".

Citizen now: organizing for action

The research presented in this chapter offers an alternative approach to studying and appreciating youth political participation - one that considers the issues or problems motivating political action and the groups through which this political action takes place. Survey research shows that the economy is an issue of top concern not only for the public at large but also for young adults. Three groups focused upon the effects of the economy on young adults emerged in analysis of news coverage of Millennials: Young Invincibles, The Can Kicks Back, San Bernardino Generation Now. Using a qualitative methodological approach, these groups serve as case studies of Millennials responding to a public issue. This chapter offers a description of each group’s origin, mission, and resulting structure.

Connecting to politics: expectations and actions

With the demographics of the generation firmly established, this chapter pulls together various streams of data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the American National Election Studies, and the Harvard Public Opinion Project and provides a picture of the political participation of young adults. This picture includes the current voting behavior of young adults, longitudinal data on Millennial voting, and inter and intra-generational comparisons in voting rates. In addition, the political activities of young adults beyond voting are considered including participating in campaigns, following the news, and use of social media or “hashtag activism”. This portrait is juxtaposed with the history of the passage of the 26th Amendment lowering the voting age and the expectations surrounding this milestone. Although emerging forms of engagement offer promise, this chapter includes a warning that these methods are only promising if they produce results – a warning that extends to those studying youth engagement.

America’s emerging citizens: realities and perceptions

This chapter provides context for the consideration of the political engagement of young adults. The Millennial Generation’s place in history is marked by laying out the succession of generations preceding it. By comparing such generational milestones as reaching the voting age to the corresponding top news events, the historical context in which this age cohort has matured also is offered. Using multiple sources of secondary data, the key demographic features of the Millennial Generation are outlined including current and projected size, ethnic diversity, educational attainment, and social media habits. This consideration of the realities of the generation is then juxtaposed against perceptions of young adults through content analysis of a database of over 300 news articles regarding the Millennial Generation. The media frame through which Millennials are viewed depicts young adults as forceful when it comes to business and entertainment but elusive and uncertain politically with little evidence of their impact.

Where we’ve been: where we need to go

This chapter outlines the theoretical frameworks that scholars have used when seeking to explain, predict, and understand youth political participation as well as the methodologies commonly utilized. The most common theoretical approach in studying youth engagement has been generational and, within this framework, scholars have utilized the social capital, historical, sociological, psychological, and rational choice theoretical perspectives. The methodological approach to studying youth engagement also has been fairly uniform with most relying on survey research (predominantly of college students) and with most scholars focused upon the political actions of individuals rather than issues prompting action or the institutional context in which actions take place. This critical analysis of the literature leads to the conclusion that key aspects of participation aren’t being considered and that the study of youth engagement would benefit from broadening our approach as well as looking at the phenomenon from young adults’ point of view.

Conclusion

The final chapter highlights the lessons learned from the case studies as well as the research designs they inspire. Consideration also is given to the normative implications of research addressing youth political participation. Lastly, practical suggestions are offered of actions parents, educators, policymakers, and even young adults themselves can take in order to encourage and equip them to be active citizens. The texts concludes that there are limitations both with declaring young adults "disengaged" because their behavior is unlike previous generations and asserting that they’re "better engaged" without demonstrating that their efforts will serve the interests of their generation. Instead, there is value in taking both theoretical and practical steps to ensure that today's young adult - citizen now – is understood and fully participating in the political process.

Citizen now: responding politically

This chapter addresses the nature of the featured groups’ activities, the targets of their actions, the context out of which these actions arise, and the effects of these efforts. This qualitative approach is appropriate when theoretical frameworks aren't doing an adequate job of explaining, predicting and understanding a phenomenon - youth political participation in this case. Although shaped by their missions, structures, and resources, this research suggests that the groups engage in a variety of actions meant to raise awareness, serve the public, and influence the political process. Although they make use of the technological tools of their generation, their actions are in line with traditional conceptions of political action with attention to their outcomes and impact.

Introduction

“Will they turn out to vote this year?” With every election, it seems that this is the question most commonly asked about young adults. Unfortunately, the answer isn’t always clear. After years of steady decline, the 2008 election marked an uptick in youth voter turnout rates and, seemingly, in political interest and enthusiasm as well. Then came a 6 percent decline in rates in 2012, followed by record low rates of registration and turnout in 2014. As the 2016 election loomed on the horizon, yet again, there were signs of hope. Youth voter turnout rates throughout the primaries and caucuses broke records....