A conceptual mapping of three anti-adultist approaches to youth work

ABSTRACT

Anti-adultist approaches to youth work are designed to empower youth by upholding their rights to participate in the democratic processes that shape youth-serving institutions. Programs that utilize anti-adultist approaches mitigate the harmful effects of adultism through equitable relationships between youth and adults and participatory decision-making processes. This review includes a conceptual mapping of three anti-adultist approaches: (a) youth participatory action research, (b) youth organizing, and (c) youth-adult partnership. I identify the similarities and differences between these three interventions with regard to their goals and purposes, pedagogical philosophies and structures, treatment of adultism, strengths and limitations, and the specific roles that youth and adults play in programs that utilize these approaches. I argue that youth participatory action research, youth organizing, and youth-adult partnership share a common goal to challenge adultism and are typically used to achieve the same youth outcomes. Thus, sorting them into one conceptual framework would have implications for streamlining and improving research and practice.

KEYWORDS:

• Citizenship
• politics
• youth work
• civic engagement
• youth programs

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.