Understanding Diverse Youth Perspectives, Belonging, and Equity in Citizenship Communities

• In Event: Critical Issues in Civic Education

Abstract

This research is part of a university/community-based NGO project seeking to understand how diverse Australian youth create supportive ‘citizenship communities’ as a way to build a sense of belonging, inclusion, and resilience. Employing a World Café (The World Café, 2021), co-designed methodology, and drawing on critical theoretical orientations (Darder, 1991; Foucault, 1977; Freire, 1970), we explored the ways 60+ young people understood and participated in Australian society, particularly during times of increased progressive youth activism and the ongoing COVID19 pandemic. Findings indicate that these youth are finding belonging through connections to their origins, from surviving -to belonging- to becoming youth leaders. Multiple citizenship spaces also emerged, highlighting the significance of social media and technology in finding connections in those spaces.

Authors

• Marc Pruyn, Monash University
  Presenting Author

• Elham Foomani, Monash University
  Presenting Author

• Lisa Cary, Murdoch University
  Presenting Author

• Kristin Reimer, Monash University
  Presenting Author

• Phuong Nguyen, Centre for Multicultural Youth
  Presenting Author