Rights-based policymaking
Using the rights of the child as a foundation for a decentralised youth policy
In: Applied human rightsSearch for other papers by Dana R. Feringa in
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Having a voice in processes of social policymaking is one of the children’s rights that is secured in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Article 12). In a juncture of a transforming welfare state and a pandemic, being heard and seen by politicians and policy makers is of extra importance for young people’s perceived well-being. Governments often opt for the installation of youth councils. However, one of the frequently heard criticisms relating to these councils is the lack of representative advices that are produced. This chapter shows that these challenges around representation can be overcome by using the concept of representation devised by Hanna Fenichel Pitkin (1967). Furthermore, in this chapter it is argued that policy makers should not only invite young people into a system of social policymaking but they should also enter the living world of young people and listen to their life stories and what young people perceive as empowering turning points. This way, social policy can contribute to the needs of the citizens it is targeting and civic impact can be made.