Door opener for youth policy": research team develops digital tool for the further development of local youth policy cultures

As part of the pilot study "Current dynamics of political interventions 'from the right'. A multi-local investigation into youth work as an actor in democracy building", Jana Sämann and Hannah Jestädt, research assistants at the University of Siegen, worked with a nationwide research team to investigate current political interventions, conflicts and negotiation processes in the field of open child and youth work. The focus was on the question of how 'scripts of the normal' are (re)written in relation to youth work and youth policy in these processes. The basis was the analysis of eight exemplary local space-specific dynamics that followed political interventions in child and youth work.

As each local area has its own specific characteristics, challenges and approaches to solutions, general recommendations for action - for example in the form of classic handouts - often fall short. Instead, context-sensitive responses are required. With this in mind, the project team developed an instrument that deliberately focuses on reflection: the digital tool "Door Opener Youth Policy".

The aim of the tool is to identify local challenges, strengthen local political culture, question routines, critically classify political interventions and promote common strategies and shared understandings. Three subject areas can be addressed:

• "Inquiry check": Critically classifying parliamentary inquiries
• "Institution check": Rethinking structures. Strengthening youth work.
• "Culture check": Reflecting on committee culture. Shaping cooperation.

The tool is aimed at actors from practice, administration and politics who are active in the field of youth work and youth policy.

The project was funded by the German Foundation for Peace Research, the BAG OKJA, the AGJF Saxony and the Fachverband Jugendarbeit/Jugendsozialarbeit Brandenburg.

Link to the tool: https://türöffner-jugendpolitik.de/

Link to the project and current publications: https://www.wiso.uni-hamburg.de/fachbereich-sowi/professuren/hentschel/forschung/aktuelle-dynamiken-polit-intervention.html

Researchers involved:

• Nils Schuhmacher (University of Hamburg)
• Christoph Bochentin (Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences)
• Prof. Dr. Jennifer Hübner (Catholic University of Applied Sciences NRW)
• Hannah Jestädt (University of Siegen)
• Tina Leber (Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences)
• Kai Nolde (freelance social scientist, Hamburg)
• Jana Sämann (University of Siegen)
• Erik Theuerkauf (Merseburg University of Applied Sciences)

Contact persons at the University of Siegen:

Hannah Jestädt: hannah.jestaedt@uni-siegen.de

Jana Sämann: jana.saemann@uni-siegen.de