Youth and Society

The integration of youth into society after education is something which could appeal to you. If so, take a look at some of the examples we have prepared below:

Example youth and society dissertation topic 1:

Helping youth to become part of the ‘Big Society’: Youth service opportunities in England.

A component of the legislative programme of the incoming Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition in 2010, the ‘Big Society’ seeks to empower citizens with the ability to make a difference through their own actions, rather than just the actions of government. This thesis considers whether youth have also signed on to this social contract; it explores the formal and informal youth service opportunities currently available and evaluates their uptake and success. Additionally, primary research is conducted through interviews with civic volunteers aged 14-18 at three different volunteer organisations in England. Finally, it offers reflections on how involved youth feel as part of a ‘Big Society’ and makes recommendations on how to engage youth further.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Holmes, K. (2009). ‘Volunteering, citizenship and social capital: a review of UK government policy’, Journal of Policy Research in Tourism, Leisure and Events, Vol. 1(3), pp. 265-269.
• Moore-McBride, A. and Sherraden, M. (eds) (2007). Civic service worldwide: Impacts and enquiry. New York: M.E. Sharpe.
• Youniss, J., Bales, S., Christmas-Best, V., Diversi, M., McLaughlin, M. and Silbereisen, R. (2002). ‘Youth civic engagement in the twenty-first century’. Journal of Research on Adolescence, Vol. 12, pp. 121-148.