The Organisational and Educational Contexts of the Portuguese Catholic Scout Association: their Impact on Youth Participation
Title | The Organisational and Educational Contexts of the Portuguese Catholic Scout Association: their Impact on Youth Participation |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2015 |
Authors | Rodrigues M, Menezes I, Ferreira P |
Secondary Title | Italian Journal of Sociology of Education |
Volume | 7 |
Issue | 1 |
Pagination | 148-175 |
Date Published | 02/2015 |
Publisher | Padova University Press |
Place Published | Padova, IT |
ISSN Number | 2035-4983 |
Keywords | educational context, scout movement, youth participation, youth work |
Abstract | Notwithstanding its relevance as a context for youth participation, research is lacking regarding how the scout organisational and educational settings contribute to development of civic and political competences. Using a mixed methods approach, combining document analysis, interviews with scout leaders and a pilot study with a non-probability sample of 199 scout youth, this paper presents results from the analysis of the organisational and educational framework of the Portuguese Catholic Scout Association. We found a hierarchical organisation, which institutes itself as a kind of micro society based on principles of representative democracy. Somewhat paradoxically, non-adult scouts are excluded from having direct involvement in the highest levels of the organisational decision-making processes. This is in some ways consonant with the educational approach where youth are seen as citizens-in-making, on their way to becoming good citizens, ready for service and volunteering – a portrait consistent with the most frequent forms of scout youth participation. |
URL | http://ijse.padovauniversitypress.it/2015/1/7 |
DOI | 10.14658/pupj-ijse-2015-1-7 |