A historical study of the development of the youth service in Germany with some comparative reference to the development of the youth service in England

Abstract

This thesis attempts to trace the origins and growth of the German Youth Movement (Wandervogel and Bundischejugend) and of the major Youth Organisations, Evangelical, Catholic, Socialist, Sports and Political. Some account is given of parallel or related movements or organisations in England. The development of the statutory sector of the Youth Service in Germany is given in some detail and particular reference is made to the Youth Service Circular (Jugendpflege Erlass) of 1911. Detailed mention is made of the ‘Subsidiaritats prinzip', which in Germany regulates the roles to be played in the field by the voluntary and statutory components of the Youth Service, and a brief account is given of the administrative framework within which the Youth Service operates in Germany. The position of the Youth Service in England is compared with that in Germany. In conclusion, examination is made of some factors which have influenced the development of the Youth Service particularly the statutory sector, in both England and Germany, some of the problems of voluntary organisations in both countries are mentioned, and a comparison is drawn between certain features of the German Youth Movement and features typical of the 'underground' youth organisations existing today particularly in America, England and France.