Understanding public officials’ attitudes towards youth participation in public policy

Abstract

Background: Despite the development of numerous approaches to organise youth participation in public policy, actual opportunities remain limited. This study explores which factors help explain public officials' attitudes towards youth participation. Methods: Nineteen in-depth interviews were conducted with public officials at the City of Rotterdam who are involved in policy domains related to youth and/or participation. Results: Most respondents agree on the importance of youth participation in policy. However, the extent to which they consider this an essential part of the policy cycle varies. At an individual level, public officials' attitudes can be explained by (1) their beliefs regarding the value of youth participation, (2) their perceptions about children and adolescents, (3) their confidence in their own skills to get started with youth participation, and (4) their ability to let go of control. At a contextual level, public officials' attitudes can be explained by (5) the municipal vision regarding youth participation, (6) the organisational structure and the availability of time and resources, (7) culture, and (8) political changes and pressure. These factors are interrelated and may reinforce each other. Conclusions: Public officials' attitudes towards youth participation in public policy can be explained by interrelated individual and contextual factors. To foster meaningful youth participation, clusters of barriers that currently prevent public officials from including the perspectives of youth need to be addressed. By actively dismantling these barriers, municipalities can move towards truly inclusive policy frameworks.