Do Mini-Publics Answer Environmental Demands by Youth? Promises and Perceptions of ‘Voice’ in Four European Cities

Laura Bullon-Cassis, Christine Lutringer, Maria Mexi and Yanina Welp ()
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Laura Bullon-Cassis: Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
Christine Lutringer: Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
Maria Mexi: Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
Yanina Welp: Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland

Societies, 2025, vol. 15, issue 7, 1-19

Abstract: This study examines how climate citizens’ assemblies (CCAs) influence youth engagement, both in practice and in shaping perceptions of political “voice”, drawing on Albert O. Hirschman’s “Exit, Voice, and Loyalty” framework. Through qualitative analysis of 71 interviews, participatory workshops, and observational data across four cities—Barcelona, Bologna, Geneva, and Paris—it explores whether CCAs address youth climate activists’ demands, enable meaningful participation, and yield policy outcomes aligned with their claims. Findings reveal divergent perceptions: in Bologna, co-design with activists tended to foster trust, while Barcelona saw disillusionment due to unmet expectations. Geneva’s embedded deliberative processes strengthened institutional loyalty, whereas Paris faced skepticism as activists turned to civil disobedience. Overall, CCAs’ effectiveness hinges on inclusivity, follow-through, and communication; when perceived as tokenistic, they risk reinforcing disengagement (“exit”). The study underscores the need for embedded, responsive democratic innovations to sustain youth participation amid climate crises.

Keywords: democracy; youth; environment; social movements; citizens assemblies; democratic innovations; protest; cities (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A13 A14 P P0 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 Z1 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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