A tale of two Youth Expert Groups (YEGs): Learnings from youth activism in research in India and Brazil

Abstract

This paper explores how research advisory groups can be a vehicle for youth activism. It draws on our experiences with young activists, aged 15–26 years, in India and Brazil, who were advisors on a research project focused on youth livelihoods in cities. These young people played a vital role in supporting youth researchers, identifying research themes and developing engagement and advocacy strategies. Through this paper, we explore how the Youth Expert Group advisory model evolved differently in each location and examine how these were shaped by the context, the ‘adult’ research team and the youth activists themselves. A critically reflexive response in intergenerational partnership is essential to support youth activists in research activities.

Rethinking child and youth activism in challenging times

“…Krishnamurthy and colleagues (2023) explore the complexity of labels of ‘youth’ and ‘adult’ in research where adults may be near the age of youth and youth being adults. Calling on Martin's (2007) ‘ecology of activism’, Krishnamurthy and colleagues (2023) highlight the roles of different actors and resources in youth activism that facilitate activism work.…”

“…Krishnamurthy and colleagues (2023) explore the complexity of labels of ‘youth’ and ‘adult’ in research where adults may be near the age of youth and youth being adults. Calling on Martin's (2007) ‘ecology of activism’, Krishnamurthy and colleagues (2023) highlight the roles of different actors and resources in youth activism that facilitate activism work. Similar to Malenfalt and team (2023), this research emphasised the reciprocal relationship between adults and youth contributing different knowledge, expertise and skills to one another.…”

“…Similar to Malenfalt and team (2023), this research emphasised the reciprocal relationship between adults and youth contributing different knowledge, expertise and skills to one another. The collaborations were built on the foundation of co‐creation, transparency and shared learning (Krishnamurthy et al., 2023). The ‘ecology of activism’ supported both youth and adults to gain ‘knowledge and insights’ (Krishnamurthy et al., 2023, p. 11).…”

“…The collaborations were built on the foundation of co‐creation, transparency and shared learning (Krishnamurthy et al., 2023). The ‘ecology of activism’ supported both youth and adults to gain ‘knowledge and insights’ (Krishnamurthy et al., 2023, p. 11).…”