Suchergebnisse

In Scandinavia there exists an action research tradition called critical utopian action research (CUAR). Within CUAR, criticism and utopia is a core activity in the methods used and in the research as such. The utopian concept in this tradition should be understood as a productive concept, and thus not as eyebrow-lifting fantasy. Utopian horizons are, in light of critical reflection, formulated and developed. They act as horizons indicating the direction of the work. The point of utopian notions – dreams and visions – is that they go beyond 'the existing' and become a way of working that allows us to think in concrete alternatives; in 'different futures'. It allows us to ask the question: how do we wish to live? The rationale for the work of utopia must be found in CUAR's connection to critical theory. From there, a perception that the world could be different is collected. It is only by utopian thinking that we can move the world in a different direction. Thus the notion of utopia becomes part of an ontologically basic understanding. But these different orientations must be developed and protected in a free space. In this article we will focus on the creation of free space for the utopia work.

Young people's participation is an urgent policy and practice concern across countries and context. This book showcases original research evidence and analysis to consider how, under what conditions and for what purposes young people participate in different parts of Europe. Focusing on the interplay between the concepts of youth, inequality and participation, this book explores how structural changes, including economic austerity, neoliberal policies and new patterns of migration, affect the conditions of young people's participation and its aims. With contributions from a range of subject experts, including young people themselves, the book challenges current policies and practices on young people's participation. It asks how young people can be better supported to take part in social change and decision-making and what can be learnt from young people's own initiatives