Empowering Young People in Disempowering Times

Following the 2008 economic crisis, the situation for young people deteriorated dramatically in many European countries. Employment and training opportunities have reduced, and levels of poverty and social exclusion have increased. This book evaluates both institutional frameworks and programmes as [...]
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Following the 2008 economic crisis, the situation for young people deteriorated dramatically in many European countries. Employment and training opportunities have reduced, and levels of poverty and social exclusion have increased. This book evaluates both institutional frameworks and programmes as well as the quantitative and qualitative basis of judgements in European youth policies that dominate current strategies. Empowering Young People in Disempowering Times uses EU survey data and in-depth qualitative research to examine the education, employment experiences and quality of life of young people in Europe. It develops an extensive critique of the dominant policy approaches used in Europe, which aim to tackle the challenges facing disadvantaged young people through a focus on work first and a narrow human capital centered approach of integration. In response, the book analyses and discusses alternatives emerging from an application of Amartya Sens's Capability Approach to youth policies and an enlarged concept of participation. Offering quantitative and qualitative analysis which aim to develop new and progressive ways to assess the situation of socially disadvantaged young people in Europe, this book will be fascinating reading for students and teachers of social policy, as well as policy-makers, social practitioners and social scientists.