Civic Participation as Means of Empowerment. Preventing Social Exclusion of Youth in Precarious Life Conditions in Spain

Abstract

This article explores the possible effects of empowerment as a result of being involved in civic associations in people living in conditions of precariousness, focusing specifically on Spanish youth at risk of social exclusion. The article shows that, in the absence of individual economic and educational resources, the environmental stimuli provided by particular associations may prove highly relevant in order to improve the situation of this group of young people. These associations teach youth civic practices and values that help them manage precariousness and provide them with new resources to seek new life opportunities. To a certain degree, these associations manage to compensate for the lack of personal resources. We present the results of a qualitative study for which data were collected from 122 young individuals. The study identifies specific factors of vulnerability and explains how they can be dealt with. It also demonstrates that, thanks to civic engagement, the young people involved were able to develop capabilities that reduced their risk of falling into marginality and enhanced their chances of finding new life opportunities. Resumen. Participación cívica como fuente de empoderamiento. Prevenir la exclusión social de los jóvenes en condiciones precarias en EspañaEste artículo estudia posibles efectos de empoderamiento, como consecuencia de participar en asociaciones cívicas, en personas que viven en condiciones de precariedad; nos centramos en jóvenes en riesgo de exclusión social en España. Encontramos que en ausencia de recursos económicos y educativos individuales, estímulos contextuales procedentes de específicas asociaciones permiten mejorar su situación. Estas asociaciones enseñan prácticas cívicas y valores que les ayudan a manejar su precariedad y les dotan de recursos para encontrar nuevas oportunidades. En alguna medida, estas asociaciones compensan la carencia de recursos individuales. Presentamos resultados de una investigación cualitativa en la que trabajamos con una muestra de 122 jóvenes. Identificamos factores de vulnerabilidad y cómo manejarlos y comprobamos que a través de la participación aprendieron a reducir el riesgo de caer en la marginación y encontraron nuevas oportunidades. Palabras clave: prácticas cívicas; riesgo de exclusión; oportunidades contextuales; empoderamiento Participation, resources and opportunities: the debateThe aim of this article is to explore the chances of constructing active citizens by means of participative practices in populations with scarce resources and limited opportunities and, if such chances exist, to explore their actual effects. People's civic engagement and their ability to act as citizens are usually related to both their socioeconomic and educational opportunities and resources. Nevertheless, we wanted to determine whether people lacking the optimal socioeconomic and/or cultural resources do indeed engage in the public sphere and, if they do so, to explore the causes and the processes of their participation. We also wanted to e...

Evaluation of Youth Empowerment Projects From an Educators’ Perspective

“…In this regard, Zimmerman et al (2018) stated that these programs help young people take on leadership roles, think critically about their community, and become involved in their changes. Funes and Robles (2016) add the civic commitment of these young people in the form of participation in local entities and, similarly, also Buccieri and Molleson (2015) in terms of the sense of belonging.…”

“…In a two-year review of qualitative program evaluations, Bulanda (2008, cited in Bulanda & Johnson, 2016) found that program participants had increased feelings of self-determination and were able to identify experiences of autonomy and competence in participating in the program. The study by Funes and Robles (2016) collects data from 122 young people and concluded that the civic commitment of these young people in the form of participation in entities in the territory improved their empowerment and consequently the development of skills that reduce the risk of exclusion. From another perspective, the study of homeless young people by Buccieri and Molleson (2015) showed the relationship between empowerment and a sense of belonging.…”

Evaluating Youth Empowerment: The Construction and Validation of an Inventory of Dimensions and Indicators

“…While it has mainly focused on adults (Gong & Wright, 2007), the past 20 years have seen its use in work with young people and in particular those in situations of social risk or vulnerability (Bulanda & Johnson, 2016;Chinman & Linney, 1998, as cited in Russell et al, 2009Funes Rivas & Robles, 2016;Muturi et al, 2018;Travis & Bowman, 2011.…”

“…Ambiguous and not clearly defined, the concept can be applied in numerous ways and in numerous contexts and processes (Christens & Peterson, 2012; Morton & Montgomery, 2012; Mohajer & Earnest, 2009). While it has mainly focused on adults (Gong & Wright, 2007), the past 20 years have seen its use in work with young people and in particular those in situations of social risk or vulnerability (Bulanda & Johnson, 2016; Chinman & Linney, 1998, as cited in Russell et al, 2009, p. 901; Funes Rivas & Robles, 2016; Muturi et al, 2018; Travis & Bowman, 2011, 2012).…”