Young people's experiences of citizenship in relation to place: A case study of three rural communities in Germany

Abstract

Young people's experiences of citizenship play a significant part in shaping their citizenship norms and practices. While young people's experiences as citizens have been explored in the literature, the places they inhabit, which shape their experiences, are often not considered. Using qualitative case study evidence in the form of 13 focus groups (n = 35) and 21 interviews with secondary school students aged 13–17 from three rural communities in Germany, this research contributes to our understanding of how place is related to young people's experiences of citizenship. Findings suggest that place acted as a reference point when participants discussed their citizenship practices. Furthermore, place determined the citizenship spaces participants encountered and acted as a lens through which current citizenship issues were interpreted.