“This well-timed volume brings together a diversity of well-crafted scholarship on youth representation and makes a compelling contribution. It will be an invaluable asset for those wishing to understand both global patterns and country-level cases in this emerging research field. This collection is a must-read for those wishing to understand this important topic.” (Aksel Sundström, Associate Professor and senior lecturer at the Department of Political Science, University of Gothenburg, Sweden)
“What a great combination of theoretical and empirical work Kurz and Anlar have produced on the (under)representation of young people in political institutions around the world. This pioneering and holistic research includes impressive conceptualisations and problematisations around this subject/issue that is so crucial for democracy. Importantly, we hear a rich diversity of voices, including young politicians, practitioners and activists.” (Sarah Pickard, Professor at the Université Sorbonne Nouvelle, Paris, France)
“An invaluable asset for those wishing to understand both global patterns and country-level cases in this emerging research field.”
—Aksel Sundström, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
“This pioneering and holistic research includes impressive conceptualisations and problematisations around this subject/issue that is so crucial for democracy.”
—Sarah Pickard, Université Sorbonne Nouvelle, Paris, France
This book offers new insights into the political representation of young people globally. The authors address key issues such as the effects of different levels of government, the role of institutional reforms (e.g., the introduction of youth quotas), the impact of legislative turnover, and the link between descriptive and substantive representation. Featuring contributions from academics, but also activists and practitioners, the volume amplifies voices from all continents, enriching the discourse beyond its traditional European-centric focus. As the first significant exploration of its kind, it not only maps the current state of youth political representation but also illuminates the struggles and triumphs that young adults encounter in political spheres, offering fresh insights into the barriers and opportunities young people face in gaining a seat at the table and remaining there.
Kira Renée Kurz is a research associate at the University of Freiburg in Germany. Her research focuses on age-based and intergenerational conflicts, political parties, the political effects of demographic change and political representation – especially youth representation.
Brit Anlar is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Her research focuses on the political representation of marginalized groups, particularly women and young people, with an emphasis on the intersection of age and gender. She co-founded the Youth Political Representation Research Network in 2019.
The Chapter ” “The Political Underrepresentation of Young Adults in Nigeria’s Subnational Parliaments” is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.
About the Author
Kira Renée Kurz is a research associate at the University of Freiburg in Germany. Her research focuses on age-based and intergenerational conflicts, political parties, the political effects of demographic change and political representation – especially youth representation.
Brit Anlar is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Her research focuses on the political representation of marginalized groups, particularly women and young people, with an emphasis on the intersection of age and gender. She co-founded the Youth Political Representation Research Network in 2019.
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