Gibson, Stephen ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5648-7669 and Hamilton, Lorna ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0526-8252 (2013) Knowledge, autonomy and maturity: developmental and educational concerns as rhetorical resources in adolescents' discussions regarding the age of electoral majority in England. Journal of Youth Studies, 16 (1). pp. 34-53.

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Abstract

Recent debates concerning the age of electoral majority in the UK have focused on the levels of knowledge and maturity of young people. However, little research has explored the ways in which adolescents orient to these concerns themselves. In this paper we present analyses from a qualitative interview investigation in Northern England, and explore the ways in which our adolescent participants treated voting as a responsibility which should be exercised on the basis of a rational, autonomous and informed decision. Such arguments were frequently used to argue against a reduction in the age of electoral majority. These findings are discussed in relation to policy and educational debates in the UK.

Item Type:	Article
Status:	Published
DOI:	https://doi.org/10.1080/13676261.2012.693589
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
School/Department:	School of Education, Language and Psychology
URI:	https://ray.yorksj.ac.uk/id/eprint/446

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