The concept of youth is explored, with some indications
on the problematic nature of youth as a clear category
in the context of developing countries. Common definitions
of youth as transitional phase from end of childhood
to entry into work do not apply in contexts where child
labour or marriage is prevalent, or where the specific
markers of youth-hood do not exist.
Finally, the paper goes on to speculate
on how the specific social locations of youth may place
them at a disadvantage in using prevailing social practices,
such as patron/client relations or bypassing formal
processes through established social linkages. The authors
note that the structures of democratic governance in
Sri Lanka may have been overlaid upon latent quasi-feudal
systems, making the practice of services in exchange
for favours a commonly perceived mechanism for fulfilling
one’s needs. Similarly, they note a propensity
amongst people to bypass formal processes or mechanisms
through the use of established social linkages to access
health or education services. Within this context, the
authors advocate that notions of democracy may need
further critical analysis, if it is to be made an applicable
and easily practicable concept, given these indications
of existing social practice.
Issues raised:
| • |
The youth are
not just future citizens of the democratic system,
but they are active stakeholders in shaping democracy
at a given moment. |
| • |
Youth protests and unrest
are shrugged off as being the result of adolescent
behaviour that is emotionally unchangeable rather
than being the outcome of prevailing societal
problems that require consideration and reform. |
| • |
Patronage networks between
political parties and individuals bypassing administrative
and bureaucratic processes and institutions both
in the state and private sectors are the norm.
These networks are looked on by the patrons as
an investment into the creation of a socio-political
capital that can be mobilized in times of need. |
| • |
The fear of unemployment
is the foremost issue that young people between
ages of 15 – 24 are concerned with in Sri
Lanka. |
| • |
The pressure to fulfill personal
and familial expectations limits the ability of
the youth to participate in social and political
activities that could strengthen civil society
structures. |
| • |
Critiques from the youth
of the existing practices of patronage reflect
their frustration at being excluded from adult
networks of clientage and are not necessarily
a call for greater democracy and transparency. |
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