From Schoolyards to Government: A Comparative Analysis of the Positive Effect of Teenager Participation in Local Governance

Abstract

Amid growing academic discourse on teenagers’ political rights, this paper argues that the inclusion of teenagers in the decision-making process at the municipal level has positive effects. Based on qualitative and quantitative research on three municipalities in Greece and Sweden, this paper concludes that a level of awareness of the critical issue of climate change leads to a greater propensity for action from municipal councils aimed at restoring the environment. The findings demonstrate that including teenagers in the decision-making process at the local and regional level could lead to a greater focus on forward-thinking policies, particularly in areas concerning young people, such as environmental preservation efforts and democratic rights.

Keywords

• comparative politics
• decision-making
• governance
• local governance
• youth participation
• open democracy