Mechanisms of youth involvement in public associations: a regional case

Abstract

The article is based on the implementation of a collective project of studying the identities of modern youth and the practices of their consolidation in the Samara region (S.Yu. Mitrofanova, N = 541 (quantitative stage), N = 12 (qualitative stage), 2023), strategy of mixing methods was used. One of the objectives of the project was to identify mechanisms for involving young people in public associations. The case of the Samara region served as the basis for achieving this goal. The author's understanding of the mechanism of involving young people in the activities of public associations is proposed. Special attention is paid to the activities of the young themselves, as well as the channels and circumstances of youth involvement in public associations. The primary role of the actor in the operation of the mechanism is proved. The young people's own activities are related to their desire for ‟internal” and/or ‟external” self-realization. Formal and informal channels of youth involvement in public associations have been identified. The circumstances that promote and hinder young people in their social activities are indicated. Two types of mechanisms are identified: ‟open doors” and selection. Various mechanisms operates at different stages of transit through public organizations, and in associations of different orientation.