Module overview

In the following module, you can get a glimpse of those characteristics that enable participation or on the contrary limit it. 

It is important to note already at the beginning that this module is far from providing a complete picture as it only aims to highlight that youth participation is dependent on the context. 

One of the main characteristics can be found in the relation between the state and its citizens as well as the norms and values in society. Governments are often the main actors in leading state affairs, however, their approach to leadership depends on certain political ideologies. This influences how the state operates daily and how citizens have relations with the state. In other words how our lives are influenced by the state and what rights and duties we have. On top of the national context, another layer that influences this relation is that being a member of the European Union also means that states follow the same “rules” that have been agreed upon. The norms and values that are mainstream in society depend a lot on this context and by nature change from time to time. 

One of the preconditions we think is fundamental to youth participation is youth work, however, this is one area where states have different approaches regarding it in Europe. We invite you to explore the current realities of youth work in Finland and Hungary in this module, and then through some reflective tasks to identify possible obstacles that can limit the possibilities to participate. 

Overview of the module 

What is youth work?

Youth work in Finland and Hungary

Hungary

Finland

Obstacles in youth participation

Task for reflection 1.

Task for reflection 2. 

Task for reflection 3.