Youth work - History of youth work

Youth work is multifaceted practice. This makes it difficult to identify the defining features of youth work. In this piece we offer an overview of some central characteristics of youth work. In some countries ‘youth work’ is a relatively well-defined, distinct practice. In other countries (especially in southern European countries), the term is less known and there is no identifiable overall...
In a number of countries youth work definitions and missions recently have been under discussion and also on a European level the new EU framework for youth policy comes up with a new role for a more professionalised youth work. What lessons can we draw from youth work’s history? Youth work has always played a role in broader social and pedagogical strategies but there is indeed a risk of instrumentalisation and youth work becoming a weapon for all targets.