5th ISA Forum of Sociology (6-11 July 2025)

Young people, both natives and migrants, represent a reality that is multi-layered and multicultural in several societies. Several studies have pointed out the need to promote and facilitate the civic engagement of young people in and outside Europe in order to prevent and counteract possible socio-economic marginalization and religious radicalization in these uncertain times (post-pandemic, wars in different national contexts, resurgence of cultural and religious conflicts with global repercussions). As various empirical studies have already shown, in this complex relationship, the processes of integration and progressive support and training led by NGOs, local associations and especially Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) are a key factor in managing the civic and inclusive pathways of young people in the context of building cohesive, multi-religious and multicultural societies.

Cities and welcoming neighborhoods are the places where FBOs still play an important role, showing that they support young people living in marginalized neighborhoods who have difficulties integrating into society due to their ethnic origin on the one hand, and local administrations in addressing youth crises on the other.

The session will welcome contributions on the role of FBOs and other civil society organizations in the pre- and post-transition period in different national and local contexts to discuss to what extent activities to support civic participation of young people with different religious (or non-religious) identities (e.g. Catholics, Orthodox, Muslims, Sikhs, Nones, ...) contribute and how these organizations are challenged and transformed by the participants involved.