Youth Organizations in Political Party Systems: Towards A More Engaged Political Youth

Jaroslav Mihálik
University of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, Faculty of Social Sciences

Abstract

The study focuses on the issue of youth political organizations within political parties in the Slovak party system, but also at the European level. The rationale of the paper is based on the absence of continuous research in this area, which would reflect the changes made in recent years in the political map. This is also pointed out in the literature review of the current academic state of art. The main benefits and results can be identified with regard to the objectives identifying the current state of participation of young people in youth organizations, their connection with the parent parties and their impact on further action in the field of state policy and governance. The findings from qualitative interviews and quantitative survey with members of youth political organizations constitute an important basis for further education of quality political staff, which can be understood as a key component of a functioning state, while creating a basis for active participation of young people in these organizations and restarting the discourse in this area.

Presentation