Youths and public policies: the building of meaning and juvenile participation in the Plugminas program

Abstract

This article examines the relationship between the representations present in the design of youth public policies and the meanings constructed by youth about these policies. These representations define and comply with the government agenda and the proposition about actions on public policies for the youth. The program Plugminas aims to promote knowledge experience in art, professional education, and social development through activities based on digital culture and ‘innovation’. Qualitative methodology was used, through documentary analysis and dialogical interviews with young program participants. The results indicate that the youth perceive the proximity between the objectives of Plugminas and the juvenile circumstantial experience, especially related to diversity and the socialization. The results also show that the program increases their experiential repertory and the possibilities for employment as well as social participation.