Youths and social participation: contemporary socialization processes

Abstract

This article deals with the socialization of young people based on their participation in four collectives: Gaucho Institute of Environmental Studies – Inga, Zumbi dos Palmares Preparatory Couse, Afro Sul/Idomode Cultural Institute and National Campaign against Youth Violence and Extermination, of Youth Pastoral of Brazil. The objective of the investigation was to understand what are the meanings that participation in these groups represents for the lives of the young people involved. It takes as reference authors who discuss the socialization of contemporary youth, from the concepts of social participation and youth cultures, such as Carles Feixa, José Machado Pais, Alberto Melucci, Regina Novaes, Luis A. Groppo, among others. The methodology used in the investigation was qualitative, based on youth narratives. The results showed that the groups contribute significantly to the socialization of young people, based on the relationships they establish with other subjects who are the same age. The main category produced from the analyzed data was called sociability and treated the themes of collectivity, coexistence, friendship and groups as a “second family”.