Youth
Understanding youth political participation has been a major thematic concentration of SSA for the past two decades. At SSA, we understand that models of political participation as well as conceptions of politics and modes of political socialization have undergone a generational change, resulting in changes in the social context in which political institutions operate. Comprehending these changes is crucial to explaining and influencing how politics unfolds in the country. With the information revolution and the advancement of technology, it is ever more important to focus on youth as an important segment of political decision-making.
Research Projects
Youth as a Catalyst for Political Change (under the Increasing Demand for Engagement and Accountability programme) November 2021 – August 2023
The island-wide survey ‘Youth as a Catalyst for Change’ aimed to assess youth perspectives on politics in general. The overarching goal of this study was to understand the youth’s attitudes and expectations towards democratic politics in the country. The in-depth understanding of youth politics that this study provided, complements ongoing and future programming efforts undertaken by the SSA in enhancing political literacy, and political participation of youth. Furthermore, this study aimed to contribute to civil society efforts in enhancing youth participation in democratic politics and thereby improve the quality of democracy in Sri Lanka.