Young people's activism in times of austerity

This report outlines the key insights from a PhD research project carried out between October 2018 and April 2022. The project, entitled ‘Young people’s activism in times of austerity: an ethnographic and participatory study’, was a collaborative project between myself and RECLAIM, a youth engagement charity based in Greater Manchester. The research was designed to explore young people’s understandings and practices of activism and how this work is supported by a youth engagement organisation.

Accompanied by quotes from staff and young people at RECLAIM, this short report outlines the dynamics, challenges and everyday politics of engaging in and supporting working-class youth activism in a context of austerity, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings are arranged thematically, covering 1) young people’s ideas about and experiences of activism across the life-course; 2) intergenerational care, support and solidarity; and 3) challenges facing youth engagement organisations in a difficult economic context. The summary concludes with an overview of key findings and recommendations.