'Politics' under (de)construction? – Young people negotiating 'the political' in mediatized everyday lives

02.07.2014

Priority Program member Merle-Marie Kruse holds presentation on 10th Crossroads in Cultural Studies Conference in Tampere

How do young people negotiate 'the political' in contemporary media cultures?

Drawing on concepts from mediatization theory, current theorizing of 'the political' as well as theories of media practices and subjectivation Merle-Marie Kruse developed an analytical framework that (a) re-articulates the notion of 'the political' by challenging dichotomies such as 'public vs. private, 'politics vs. Culture', and 'information vs. Entertainment', and (b) considers the whole spectrum of young people’s media practices instead of limiting the inquiry toa single medium.

The main focus of the presentation is to discuss the challenges and benefits of such a framework by referring to qualitative research among 14 to 17 year-olds in Northern Germany. First results underscore the multifaceted ways in which young people construct and relate to 'the political' in their mediatized everyday lives, thus contributing a more differentiated view to present debate on young people’s disenchantment with 'politics'.

For further information and an abstract book please visit the website.