TASK: Shell Youth Study: "A generation speaks up!"
Youth's political participation is vital for a healthy democratic system. To increase youth participation, it is crucial to understand what motivates young people most to engage in society. Do they engage in political life out of sheer interest or curiosity? What encourages them to participate?
1. Read the two sections of the Shell Youth Study, and underline key information. Summarize what you learned from the text and write it down in your project journal:
Section 1: Politics and society
Section 2: Environmental and climate protection have become top issues of concern
2. Discuss the following questions:
According
to the Shell Youth Study, 43% of young Germans consider themselves politically
interested. How do you assess this percentage? Is it high or low?
In your opinion, why are young people with higher educational backgrounds more interested in politics?
According
to the study, young men are more politically interested than young
women. Yet, young women seem to be more politically engaged than young
men. Why is that?
What issues concern you most? Are you closely following those issues? Where do you look for information about the topics you closely follow? What news sources do you use to learn more about the topics you are most interested in?
3. Watch the video below, pause it when necessary and take notes:
Use your notes to discuss the question:
How could local, state or the federal government empower youth and facilitate their community engagement?