The idea of Europe has, of course, changed dramatically since the late 1980s. Not only has there been the political and economic consequences of the collapse of communism, but the last two decades have witnessed the transformation of labour markets under globalisation, the growth of new information and communication technologies and the expansion of educational participation. There has also been a growing cynicism about political engagement and the potential of representative democracy. Furthermore, there have been significant demographic shifts towards increasingly ageing societies. All this has produced what the authors refer to as the "youth mosaic", drawing on Manuel Castell's conception of network societies.
Boundaries are now more permeable, but this does not mean inequalities have disappeared. We have, the authors contend, to learn to read new maps if we are to understand the commonalities and differences between young people from east to west and north to south.
The book explores key trends in youth transitions, patterns of inequality, political and other participation and civic engagement. The authors advance the case for a new youth research agenda on these issues. At least 14 recommendations are made to ensure our knowledge of the social situation in Europe does not remain "incomplete and skewed". The analysis calls for cooperation between the Council of Europe and the European Commission, with a European database and reporting system.
One European country once maintained that its youth policy was based on the idea that young people had a responsibility to make the best of the opportunities presented to them, but that the State had the responsibility to ensure those opportunities were made available. That is the policy imperative now throughout Europe. But, in the public and private spheres of young people's lives, we need new data sources to see how they are faring. The youth research base in western and northern Europe needs to be extended east and south if the complex challenge of inter-cultural and comparative analysis is to be met.
Reviewed by Howard Williamson, senior research associate at the School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University
Exploring the European youth mosaic: The social situation of young people in Europe By Lynne Chisholm and Siyka Kovacheva. Published by Council of Europe Publishing 2002. Price 10e. 86 pages.
ISBN 92 871 4952 6.
