Citizen now charts a new research path in the study of the engagement of youth. Although their methods are varied and reflective of current technological tools, Citizen now argues that the tactics and motives of the groups reflect traditional political elements.

This book offers a comprehensive description of the composition and behaviour of young adults, an explanation and critique of the study of youth engagement, and a unique approach and methodology for appreciating how and why ‘citizen now’ engages in politics and democracy. Unlike much of the research in this field, Citizen now considers youth political participation from the perspective of young adults themselves – specifically, young adults who’ve organized around an issue of great concern to Millennials, their economic well-being.

It is based on the premise that the Millennial Generation is an age cohort worth understanding. As a first step in advancing such understanding, this text begins by offering a comprehensive description of the demographics and engagement of Millennials and, through original analysis of newspaper content, a depiction of the frame through which the generation has been viewed. Although Millennials have been the object of much study, contrasting theoretical frameworks have limited our appreciation of their connection to politics – despite the fairly common approach and methodology utilized by scholars. Citizen now offers a new approach – one focused not only on the generation’s actions, but on the strategies and goals of three groups that came together in response to economic conditions facing their generation.

This is the perfect text for undergraduates exploring the fundamentals of American government, political behaviour, and citizenship. The text’s fresh take on the important subject of youth engagement offers both a path for future research and practical guidance on how to engage ’citizen now’ in politics and democracy.