Citizens Adrift

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. Brandi Bell, 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

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. Brandi Bell, Canadian Political Science (45:2)

Citizens Adrift is well researched and nicely written, demonstrating with clear, understandable figures just how large the gap between generations of Canadians is. More succinctly than most books that identify the problem of youthful disengagement, Paul Howe’s suggests realistic solutions. Richard G. Niemi, co-author/editor of Controversies in Voting Behaviour

Citizens Adrift is certain to draw considerable attention as it makes a compelling contribution to the discussion of the health of Canadian democracy. In his discussion of social integration, Howe advances some particularly novel ideas. William Cross, editor of Auditing Canadian Democracy