The functioning of Dutch party youth wings: a comparison of the 1980s and 2010s

Abstract

This dissertation focuses on an understudied yet common phenomenon: the youth wings of political parties. As Western democracies are characterised by party-related political change, the question is whether the functioning of party youth wings has changed over time. This study compares the functioning of Dutch party youth wings in the years 1985-1990, a period on the eve of major political changes, with the recent years 2014-2020. Using a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, it provides insight into the ability of party youth wings to mobilise, represent and socialise young people into the political system.