Many political observers, struck by low turnout rates among young voters, are pessimistic about the future of democracy in Canada and other Western nations. Citizens in general are disengaged in politics, and young people in particular are said to be adrift in a sea of apathy. Others have questioned this bleak assessment, arguing that youth engagement has shifted to newer forms of political and community involvement.

In Citizens Adrift, Paul Howe examines past and present patterns of political and civic engagement and concludes that many young Canadians are, in fact, detached from the political realm. Two trends underlie his findings: waning political knowledge and attentiveness and generational changes in the norms and values that help sustain social integration. Putting young people back on the path towards engaged citizenship therefore requires a holistic approach, one which acknowledges that democratic engagement extends beyond the realm of formal politics.

Paul Howe is associate professor, political science, University of New Brunswick, and a research fellow at the Institute for Research on Public Policy (IRPP). André Blais is professor, political science, Université de Montréal, researcher, Centre interu

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• Winner, Donald Smiley Prize, Canadian Political Science Association

In his recent book, Citizens Adrift: The Democratic Disengagement of Young Canadians, Paul Howe has managed to do what others have not. He presents a comprehensive and balanced examination of the political (dis)engagement of young Canadians. Howe has avoided the trap of simplistic analyses and conclusions and, instead, offers readers a thorough and considered look at the oft-cited low levels of political interest and participation among Canadian youth. He employs statistical data from a wide variety of sources (including those from Canada, the United States and numerous European countries) and draws upon theories in political science, sociology and psychology in order to approach the subject in a unique way.

Canadian Journal of Political Science (45:2), June 2012

In Citizens Adrift, Paul Howe explores a problem that every political scientist in Canada has to be thinking about: Why are younger people less interested in politics than their elders? Howe comes to the topic with an open mind, an infectious enthusiasm, and an impressive toolkit. Drawing on the research of others, generating new data of his own, and comparing Canadian results with similar countries, he examines the issue of disengagement from a number of fascinating angles. His diagnosis is at once wise, persuasive, and troubling; his prescriptions are realistic and achievable. Citizens Adrift is a model of political science that deserves a place on every scholar’s reference table not just because it is accessible and intelligent, but because it will inform reflection and discussion both in class and, one hopes, on the street.

Canadian Political Science Association Prize Jury