Youth Development in India: Future Generations in a Changing World

Description

This book provides a comprehensive understanding of youth development and protection in the Indian context. It reviews the demographic and socio-economic background and future prospects of Indian youth. The book discusses the role of family and culture in the upbringing and development of youth, changing political and socio-economic situations, and the influence of parents and teachers in shaping the future of the youth. The book highlights the nature of adversities faced by children and youth and the subsequent impact on their mental health and well-being. It also examines the efficacy of various skill development programmes and national and international policies designed for the youth. The book will be of interest to students, teachers, and researchers of population sciences, population studies, psychology, childhood studies, development studies, sociology, and youth studies. It will also be of interest to policymakers and NGOs working with children and youth. Cover Half Title Endorsement Page Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Table of Contents List of Figures List of Tables Foreword Preface Acknowledgements Chapter 1: Child protection and youth development Defining child protection Necessity for child protection and its implication Rights of the child International measures for the protection of child rights National legislative measures for protection of child rights Critical comments about some of the child protection-related legislations Policies and programmes for welfare and well-being of children The Integrated Child Protection Scheme ( ICPS, 2009) Integrated Child Development Services ( ICDS, 1975) CHILDLINE scheme: Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP): Critical comments about some of the social policies related to welfare of the children International policies for welfare and well-being of global population including children Role of other international bodies and professional platforms for child protection Factors influencing early childhood care, safety and overall well-being of children and youth Socialization process and its necessity Role of family and school in child growth and development Role of peers and other social agents in the socialization process of children Need of the youth and their role The adolescent and youth healthy growth model Conclusion and recommendations Note References Chapter 2: Demographic and socio-economic status of the youth Population of India Youth population in India and their background Literacy among the youths Illiteracy among the youths Place of residence of the youths as per census 2011 Magnitude of disadvantaged youths in India Status of the youths in India Education Health status of the youths Employment of the youths Youth participation in labour force Civic engagement of the youths Migration of the youths Participation of the youths in sports Youth diversity in terms of intelligence, aptitude, interest, creativity, and motivations Status of youths in different states and union territories in India as per India Youth Development Index and Report, 2017 Overall and domain-wise India youth development index across states Youth gender development index Youth and education Health status of the youths Engagement of the youths in economic activities Youths participation in political process in terms of casting votes and contesting elections Youth participation in civic activities at the community level Social inclusion of the youths Conclusion and recommendations References Chapter 3: Role of family and its culture in child upbringing and youth development Changing nature of families across the world Indian families and the youths Family’s role in child development across different stages of youth Nutrition, shelter, and basic life amenities Education and work Development of character and values Buffer against crisis Challenging family conditions for youth development Poverty and its impact on youth development Migration of family Broken homes and violent families Lack of parental education Family and the New Normal: Implications for youth development Policy and legal interventions for family and youth Role of observation homes as per the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act 2000 in case of orphan and destitute children Recommendations: Creating an ideal family environment for nurturing children and youth Educational interventions for parenting, child rearing, and youth development Legislations banning exploitation of children and encouraging positive discipline Development of infrastructure for family well-being Public–private partnerships in family welfare Research on family welfare needs and impact of interventions Conclusion and recommendations References Chapter 4: Role of teachers and other important influencers in youth development Role of teachers in the youth development Role of community leaders in mobilizing youth for community development activities Welfare of slum children Welfare of CSWs Cleaning of the environment Providing food, medicine, and clothes to disadvantaged children Medical care Role of spiritual leaders in youth development Political leadership and its influence on the youths Business leadership and its influence on the youth Art and music and its impact on mind and behaviour of the youths Film and film personalities Sports personalities Conclusion and recommendations References Chapter 5: Changing socio-economic and political scenario and youth development Instability and the vulnerable: Youth in a transitioning world Coming of age across the ages Changing times and the youth: Social and economic opportunities Globalization and open economies The digital age Civic awareness and political activism Challenges for the youth in the emerging world order Aftershocks in a connected world: recessions, trade disruptions, and pandemics War and mass migration Unemployment The digital divide Destabilization of traditional institutions Politicization of the youth Youth Development in the Changing Times: The Indian Scenario Cushioning the impact of a transitioning world Policy measures to safeguard the youth: Education, employment and healthcare Digital empowerment and new age career skills Channelizing youth activism: Role of youth for changing social stigma and creating good social ambience Conclusion and recommendations References Chapter 6: Adversities experienced by youth and their risk behaviour Nature of adversities experienced by youth Abuse Neglect Poverty Unemployment Sudden death of the main earning member of the family Lack of social support Natural calamities and pandemics Victim of circumstances Accident Chronic physical health problem (self or family member) Stress caused by academic pressure or poor performance Mental health challenge Adversities caused by natural disaster Causes behind adversities Familial factors Social factors Economic factors Psychological factors Consequences of adversities Youth involvement in risk behaviour and various crimes Involvement of youth in criminal activities Prevalence of dependence of youth on substances Sexual behaviour of youth Injury or death caused by fast driving Dependence on mobile, social networking sites, and internet Factors responsible for youth involvement in risk behaviour and crime Psychological factors Social and cultural factors Family-related factors Financial factors Theories of risk behaviour and crime Theories of risk behaviour Theories of criminal behaviour Consequences of youth involvement in risk behaviour and crime Legal consequences Health consequences Social consequences Psychological consequences Academic and career-related consequences Prevention of youth involvement in risk behaviour and crime Role of the family Listening to children and youth voices Basic minimal facilities Intervention and merging youth in mainstream of the society Legislative measures for youth involvement in risk behaviour and anti-social activities Conclusion and recommendations References Chapter 7: Virtual world and its impact on youth development Being digital natives Virtual world and youth development: The gates of influence Access to education Career development Social networking and the voice of the youth Entertainment and healthcare The dark face of the virtual world: Potential threats to the youth online Cognitive impact of the internet on the youth The virtual world and mental health Internet addiction Cybercrimes against young people Misinformation The question of digital divide: Are all post-millennials Digital Natives? Digital empowerment of the Indian youth: Public policy measures in India Youth and the virtual world: Recommendations for digital policy interventions Institutionalization of access Digital skilling for beneficial ends Interventions for protecting the youth in the virtual world Sensitization about risks and preventive measures Technological measures for preventing cybercrimes Lifestyle interventions to curb addiction The role of strong ties: Family, school, and friends Continued research and policy evaluation Conclusion and recommendations References Chapter 8: Mental fitness and other psychological capitals of youth in India Introduction Mental Health Mental illness Stress Anxiety Depression Suicide Internet Addiction Substance Abuse High-risk sexual behaviours Trajectory of maturation Mental fitness Subjective well-being Determinants of subjective well-being Psychological Capital (PsyCap) Youth development through mental fitness The new education policy 2020 and mental fitness The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (GOI) and Mental Fitness Conclusion and recommendations References Chapter 9: Youth Participation in Crisis Management, Social Development and Policy Formulation Introduction Youth participation Obstacles to youth participation Key stake-holders of the youth Re-envisioning the role of youth in India Youth in politics Youth as educators and researchers Youth in health and social care sector Youth as artists and liberal thinkers Youth as policy makers Youth volunteerism The volunteer process model Volunteerism for employability Youth participation at operational level Conclusion and recommendations References Chapter 10: Skill development programmes, entrepreneurship, and international and national policies and programmes for youth Introduction Skill development Employability Skills Soft skills training Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship in the emerging economy of India Determinants of entrepreneurship in India Entrepreneurship due to unemployment Education leading to entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship out of exclusion The Entrepreneurial journey The global entrepreneurship monitor (GEM) model Existing policies and programmes for youth in India Educational institutions and training centres International initiatives for youth National initiatives for youth in India Programmes for youth by the central government Skill development programmes for youth Conclusion and recommendations References Index