THE SOCIAL PARTNERSHIP AT THE MUNICIPAL LEVEL: A MODEL OF YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT

Abstract

Research problem. The decline in youth civic engagement at the municipal level is manifested in the low turnout of youth in municipal elections, in the reduction of youth participation in solving local community issues, in the limited practice of youth participation in local self-government in traditional institutional forms. This leads to the formation of protest behavior, the growth of destructive and deviant behavior, and extremist forms of social activity. Thus, it is necessary to form an effective model of social partnership between young people and local governments, taking into account non-traditional (alternative) forms of civic engagement of young people. The purpose of the research is to study the forms of civic participation of youth in local self-government and to develop a conceptual model of social partnership of youth, youth public organizations and associations and local self-government bodies. Methodology and methods. The methodological basis of the study is represented by the concept of social partnership at the municipal level, the provisions of the systemic and activity-based approaches in municipal management. In the course of the research, a complex of quantitative and qualitative methods was used: analysis of official documents, analysis of the content of official sites, analysis of statistical data, secondary analysis of the results of sociological surveys. Research results. The content and directions of activities of local self-government bodies and youth public organizations and associations, a set of implemented measures and actions aimed at involving youth in socio-political processes at the municipal level, prevention of destructive and deviant behavior, extremist forms of social activity of youth, to stimulate civic initiatives have been studied youth at the municipal level, on the implementation of constructive forms of social activity of youth at the municipal level, on stimulating youth to participate in local self-government. Diagnostics of the problems hindering the civic participation of youth in local self-government was carried out. The prospects for the practical use of the theory of social partnership at the municipal level in the practice of municipal management and organization of work with youth are determined. Proposals have been developed for the subjects of social partnership at the municipal level to improve it. Proposals were submitted to local governments to support constructive forms of social activity of youth at the municipal level, to stimulate civic participation in local government, various civic initiatives of youth at the municipal level, and to involve youth in socio-political processes at the municipal level. Scientific novelty. A conceptual model of social partnership of youth, youth public organizations and associations and local self-government bodies has been developed. The structure of the conceptual model is represented by interrelated elements: 1) subjects of social partnership (youth, youth public organizations and associations, local governments), 2) principles of social partnership, 3) the goal of social partnership, 4) norms governing social partnership, 5) means of social partnership, 6) forms of interaction between subjects of social partnership.