A "Lost" Youth Generation? Reflections from a Community Assessment Study in Italy

Abstract

In the last decades, a growing attention has been given to the analysis of the condition of young  people in Italy, as well as in other countries, following a recognition of the need to consider them as active and responsible social citizens. Attempts have been made to improve the relationship between the younger generations and public institutions, and reduce the distance between them, synonymous of a democratic deficit, through efforts at involving youth in decisional processes at different levels (local, national, etc.). In this paper we approach the issue from a Community Psychology theoretical and methodological perspective, by describing the first steps of an ongoing participatory community assessment study. The aim was to involve different members of a specific local community, in the analysis of youth participation, in order to shed light on the existing opportunities and resources, as well as on the obstacles and constraints. A multi-method approach was used, including community profiling, analysis of documentary sources, unobtrusive observation, interviews (n = 15) with key informants, content analysis of media, and focus groups (n = 30, age 15 to 30 years, 16 males). The findings will be discussed, pointing to possible directions to improve youth active citizenship.