From the playground to the demos

: familiarization of children with democratic practices in Mexico and Portugal

Abstract

The participation of children and youth in democratic processes is a vital aspect
of building inclusive, responsive, and accountable societies. However, children and youth are often excluded from decisions that affect their lives and communities, and their voices are often not heard in political and policy debates. This dissertation aims to examine the indissociable relationship between democratic participation and children, explore the ways in which children and young people can be effectively included in democratic processes, and identify the benefits and challenges of such participation. To do this, the research looks at two case studies: the Consulta Infantil y Juvenil (Consultation for Children and Youth) in Mexico and the Tenho Voto na Matéria (I Have a Say in the Matter) Initiative in Portugal. These case studies provide valuable insights into the frameworks, design and planning, participation, and outcomes of initiatives that aim to promote children's democratic participation. Through a review of these cases, the research aims to identify the prospects and lessons learned for the future of children's democratic participation

Date of Award	21 Apr 2023
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Inês Gregório (Supervisor) & André Azevedo Alves (Supervisor)