Skip to main content

The Socio-Economic Participation Gap in Youth Social Action

The Socio-Economic Participation Gap in Youth Social Action (PDF, 0.7 MB)

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. To request an accessible format contact us.

Introduction

This paper looks at the socio‑economic participation gap in youth social action. It explores why young people from lower‑income households engage at lower rates and what can be done to address this.

It was produced to inform funders, policymakers and organisations wanting to design or adapt programmes for underserved groups.

Findings

The report identifies a persistent socio‑economic gap in youth social action: young people from affluent households are substantially more likely to participate.

Contributing factors include:

  • family socialisation

  • inherited resources

  • school‑based recruitment patterns

  • targeted selection that favours higher‑attaining students

Barriers for lower‑income young people include:

  • fewer role models

  • limited networks

  • financial constraints

  • weaker local volunteering infrastructure

  • narrowly defined concepts of social action that overlook informal caring roles

Promising approaches include:

  • targeted school engagement

  • accessible programme design

  • mentoring

  • removing cost barriers

  • using ‘hooks’ such as sport or adventure to increase appeal

Large‑scale programmes with strong outreach also show potential for broader reach.