Citzenship, children and young people

This article discusses children and their citizenship, in order to re-frame the debate over youth citizenship. The re-structuring of citizenship for young people, a discrimination on grounds of age, is more easily possible because the rights of those even younger are ignored. 'Youth', as a bridge between 'child' and 'adult', is seen as a construction that disguises the reality of the power relations between the two states. The rights of children's participation in terms of citizenship is explored, as is the implications for youth and citizenship. The key element for both youth and children can be seen as participation and engagement with decision-making. Without such involvement, children and young people are excluded.