Faith communities, communitarianism, social capital and youth civic engagement

Abstract

In this article I will examine the changing nature of faith-based community action in England and consider what evidence we have about the extent and diversity of such forms of community action. I will also analyse the current government policy toward faith-based community action and the continuum of policy initiatives from community cohesion to prevention of terrorism. Having done this I will look specifically at what we know about the role of youth civic engagement in relationship to faith identity and faith-based community politics. This will be seen in the context of a shift from encouraging youth volunteering, which followed from the Russell Commission Report, to the new emphasis on youth civic engagement and various proposals for a youth National Civic Service. Finally, in conclusion I will consider models of social capital being utilized in this policy development concerning faith communities and youth civic engagement.