Public Opinion is Walter Lippmann's groundbreaking work which demonstrates how individual beliefs are swayed by stereotypes, the mass media, and political propaganda. The book opens with the notion that democracy in the age of super fast communications is obsolete. He analyses the impact of several phenomena, such as the radio and newspapers, to support his criticisms of the sociopolitical situation as it stands. He famously coins the term 'manufactured consent', for the fomenting of views which ultimately work against the interests of those who hold them. Lippmann contends that owing to the masses of information flung at the population on a daily basis, opinions regarding entire groups in society are being reduced to simple stereotypes. The actual complexity and nuance of life, Lippmann contends, is undermined by the ever-faster modes of communication appearing regularly.

Following the 2008 economic crisis, the situation for young people deteriorated dramatically in many European countries. Employment and training opportunities have reduced, and levels of poverty and social exclusion have increased. This book evaluates both institutional frameworks and programmes as well as the quantitative and qualitative basis of judgements in European youth policies that dominate current strategies. Empowering Young People in Disempowering Times uses EU survey data and in-depth qualitative research to examine the education, employment experiences and quality of life of young people in Europe. It develops an extensive critique of the dominant policy approaches used in Europe, which aim to tackle the challenges facing disadvantaged young people through a focus on work first and a narrow human capital centered approach of integration. In response, the book analyses and discusses alternatives emerging from an application of Amartya Sens's Capability Approach to youth policies and an enlarged concept of participation. Offering quantitative and qualitative analysis which aim to develop new and progressive ways to assess the situation of socially disadvantaged young people in Europe, this book will be fascinating reading for students and teachers of social policy, as well as policy-makers, social practitioners and social scientists. Contributors include: G. Acconcia, R. Atzmuller, E. Baillergeau, S. Belda-Miquel, T. Berthet, B. Beuret, A. Boni Aristizabal, J.-M. Bonvin, E. Chiappero-Martinetti, S. Dahmen, J.W. Duyvendak, V. Egdell, A.K. Frorup, C. Goffette, H. Graham, P.R. Graziano, B. Haidinger, N.R. Jensen, C.C. Kjeldsen, A. Knecht, T. Ley, A. Lopez-Fogues, H.-U. Otto, A. Peruzzi, R. Raeside, G. Roets, R. Roose, V. Simon, A.M.C. Spreafico, C. Vandekinderen, H. Van Keer, J. Vero