Young people want a say

This work examines youth participation and social space perception of young people in the city of Feldkirch. The focus is on the spatial, social, and cultural conditions that influence the experience and participation of young people in urban spaces. The study is based on a qualitative research design with methodological triangulation. The World Café and social space inspections are used as central methods to comprehensively capture the perspectives of the young people. The theoretical foundation is provided by the St. Gallen Model of Social Space Work, the lifeworld orientation according to Hans Thiersch, and the power theory according to Staub-Bernasconi. The results show that young people desire stronger involvement in urban development processes, but structural and social hurdles make their participation difficult. Public spaces, cultural offerings, and social networks in particular play a decisive role in identification with the urban environment. The work contributes to social-spatial research and formulates concrete recommendations for action for youth-friendly urban development in Feldkirch.

Pages: 184, Paperback, Our Knowledge Publishing