Abstract
This article contributes to the development of a critical social theory of youth empowerment which emphasizes collective efforts to create sociopolitical change. It draws upon analysis of four youth empowerment models, and upon findings from a participatory research study which identified key dimensions of critical youth empowerment: (1) a welcoming, safe environment, (2) meaningful participation and engagement, (3) equitable power-sharing between youth and adults, (4) engagement in critical reflection on interpersonal and sociopolitical processes, (5) participation in sociopolitical processes to affect change, and (6) integrated individual- and community-level empowerment. It concludes with discussion of the measurement of outcomes, and the challenges and opportunities for empowerment in youth organization.
Original language | English (US) |
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Title of host publication | Youth Participation and Community Change |
Publisher | Taylor and Francis |
Pages | 31-56 |
Number of pages | 26 |
ISBN (Print) | 9780203051726 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 1 2012 |
Keywords
- Critical social theory
- Model development
- Participatory research
- Youth
- Youth empowerment
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Psychology(all)
- Social Sciences(all)