Quo Vadis Youth: Analyzing Perspective Gaps in Rural Community Social Participation in Banten

Quo Vadis Pemuda: Analisis Kesenjangan Perspektif dalam Partisipasi Sosial Komunitas Desa di Banten

Abstract

The problem of low youth participation in social activities at the community level remains a challenge in social development. In Tenjolaut Village, youth involvement in various social activities tends to be low and is often perceived by the community as a form of lack of concern from the younger generation. However, this condition indicates a difference in perspective between youth and the community in interpreting social activities held in their neighborhood. This study aims to determine the gap in perspective between youth and the community regarding youth participation in social activities and how this difference affects youth involvement. This study employed a qualitative method with a descriptive approach. The findings indicate that the low level of youth participation is not merely due to a lack of enthusiasm, but is also shaped by differing perspectives influenced by both internal and external factors. These factors include structural issues within the youth organization of RW 01 Tenjolaut Bayah, Lebak, Banten  weak intergenerational communication, and the lack of a forum capable of building social cohesion among youth, which has implications for low youth involvement in social activities in the community.