Civic engagement and youth participation in socio-political processes[Гражданская Активность И Участие Молодежи В Социально-Политических Процессах]

Research problem. The study of the socio-political activity of young people, the socio-political attitudes of young people is becoming increasingly important. This article is devoted to the problems of socio-political and civic participation of youth at the municipal level. The purpose of the study is to analyze modern forms of youth participation in socio-political processes at the municipal level, to determine the factors that promote and hinder the active participation of young people in socio-political processes, to identify the main trends in the civic engagement of Russian youth at the municipal level. Methodology and methods. The methodological basis of this study is the activity approach. During the study, a complex of quantitative and qualitative methods was used: analysis of statistical data, analysis of official documents, a survey and an expert interview. In October–December 2020, a survey of Russian youth aged 14–30 was conducted (n = 2026 people). In January 2021, an expert interview was conducted with 30 experts in the field of youth policy and youth civic participation. Research results. The experience and the need for the participation of modern Russian youth in socio-political processes at the municipal level, various forms of political and social activity of youth at the municipal level, civic initiatives of youth are revealed. An expert assessment of the state and problems of civic participation of young people in local self-government, the involvement of young people in socio-political processes at the municipal level was obtained. According to most experts, in the near future, new forms of civic activity, such as performances, flash mobs, street events, and online activity, will become popular. There are trends in the digitalization of youth civic engagement. Scientific novelty. The author's definition and classification of the forms of civic engagement of young people is proposed. The facts characterizing the experience and the need for civic participation of youth in local self-government are stated. New empirical data on various forms of participation have been obtained, popular forms of youth participation in socio-political processes have been identified. The factors influencing the positive, constructive socio-political activity of modern youth have been established. Practical significance. The results are important for the development of social and political knowledge in terms of assessing the state and problems of civic participation of young people in local government, as well as for determining modern trends in civic engagement of young people. The research results can serve as a basis for improving work with youth in municipalities.