The Youth & Participatory Politics Research Network (YPP)

Oct 4

Project Description

The MacArthur Research Network on Youth and Participatory Politics (YPP) was a multidisciplinary network of scholars and practitioners working at the intersection of digital media and youth engagement in the public sphere. YPP formed out of recognition that youth are critical to the future of democracy and that the digital age is introducing technological changes that are impacting how youth develop into informed, engaged, and effective actors. The network believed that youth engagement in participatory politics reflects fundamental changes in political expectations, the developmental pathways that can lead to engagement, and the ways in which youth can be politically active. Through research and targeted action projects YPP worked to understand participatory politics, and support the development and implementation of best practices around youth engagement in participatory politics.

In the first phase of the group's work YPP focused on conceptualizing and examining the implications of the rise of new media for the practice of politics and for youth civic and political development. This focus included analyzing the quantity, quality, and equality of youth engagement in participatory politics. For more on survey findings see - YPPSP report. In phase II of the grant, there was an additional focus on putting research into practice through work with educators, platform designers and activists.

For more info on the YPP Network visit: YPP