Full Description
Critically examining narratives of participation in governance and development, this volume adds Caribbean voices and experiences to the global discourse on youth participation. The essays provide empirical case studies of institutions, practices and processes of youth engagement in the politics of Caribbean development, orienting the reader to the political culture of the Caribbean and the position of youth within small societies.
Covering experiences at intergovernmental, national and local levels, as well as formal and informal modes of participation, it examines how young people have organised themselves or have been organised to engage with the state and with community agents in politics, public policy and activism. It illustrates the heterogeneity of youth political participation, employing multi- disciplinary, multi- level and mixed- method analyses from the fields of demography, political science, social policy, development studies and youth development. Critical themes addressed include regional governance, democratic representation, online engagement, local governance and community development. In exploring these themes, the book discusses the legitimacy and inclusiveness of governance in relation to age, gender, race, geography and socio-economic status.
The findings will be useful to students, researchers and policymakers alike who are keen to improve governance and contribute to inclusive sustainable development in the Caribbean.
Contents
Part I: Contextualising Youth Participation in the Caribbean 1. Introducing Youth Participation as a Political Imperative for Caribbean Development
2. A Review of the Socio-Political Context of Youth Participation in the Caribbean
3. Understanding the Demographic Imperative: Implications of Historical and Projected Population Dynamics for Youth Policy
Part II: (Trans)National Participation and Representation4. Rethinking Youth Participation in CARICOM Regional Governance
5. Reflections on National Youth Organization and Representation: Lessons from Saint Lucia
6. Like Walking a Tight Rope: Leadership, Youth Empowerment and Organisational Culture in Political Youth Wings in Trinidad and Tobago
7. Aspirations of Young Female Leaders in Transitioning to Elective Politics in Barbados
8. Youth Mobilising Youth to Vote: An Examination of a Youth-Led Voter Education Initiative in Guyana
Part III: Participation in Local Governance 9. The Political Nature of Informal Youth Participation: Paint Jamaica in Downtown Kingston
10. Transparency and Accountability: Capacity-B\uilding for Young Social Auditors in Belize
