Gendered participation in Flemish Youth Centres, a multilevel analysis of causes and consequences

Background: In the Flemish part of Belgium, more than 500 ‘Youth Centers’ (‘youth-based voluntary organizations’) exist. Surveys show that up to 9% of youngsters between 15-35 describe themselves as ‘participants’... [ view full abstract ]

Background: In the Flemish part of Belgium, more than 500 ‘Youth Centers’ (‘youth-based voluntary organizations’) exist. Surveys show that up to 9% of youngsters between 15-35 describe themselves as ‘participants’ of a youth centre. Several studies have confirmed that participation is highly gendered with males being overrepresented among visitors (66%) and voluntary staff (75%). Substantial differences in gendered participation exist, however, between Youth Centres. To our knowledge, few studies exist that have analyzed the causes and consequences of gendered participation in forms of youth based voluntary organizations.

Objectives: this study analyses within an 'organization-person-fit' perspective(i) the relationship between ‘gender composition’ of youth centres and satisfaction among participants, and (ii) the role of ‘music culture’ as an organizational characteristic in explaining differences between youth centres in gendered participation.

Methods: A multi-level approach was used, based on quantitative data obtained from 73 youth centres (245 volunteers and 795 participants), using MLWin.

Results:
(i) gender composition (the percentage of female visitors) was associated with higher 'satisfaction' among male, but not female participants.
(ii) gender differences in music preference were found, confirming results of earlier studies
(iii) male and female participants with a more ‘typically male’ music preference, were more satisfied with participation, when ‘typically male’ genres were programmed more often during youth centre activities.
(iv) female participants with a more ‘feminine’ music preference, compared to other female participants, were more inclined to quit participation in youth centres that programmed ‘typically male genres’ more often during youth centre activities.

Conclusion and discussion: Results are discussed with respect to the consequences of and difficulties in maintaining a ‘gender balance’ among participants of voluntary youth organizations, and with respect to informal and/or group dynamical barrières that may hinder such a balance.