¿Cómo se construye la legitimidad en la política pública de juventud en Bogotá?

Abstract

This research examines the legitimacy of Bogotá's Public Youth Policy through the processes of participation, recognition of rights, and inclusion of young people in government decision-making. Since the 1990s, Colombia has developed legal and institutional mechanisms aimed at guaranteeing youth rights and participation, including the 1991 Political Constitution, Law 375 of 1997, and Statutory Law 1622 of 2013. The study aims to identify how this public policy is constructed and legitimized, questioning whether its recognition primarily responds to state regulations or to the effective participation of young people in its formulation, implementation, and appropriation. To address this question, the research adopts an inductive approach, using surveys conducted with university students from the locality of Fontibón and semi-structured interviews with representatives of the Local Youth Council. Drawing on the theoretical perspectives of Max Weber and Jürgen Habermas, the research explores the differences between traditional legitimacy, based on state authority, and contemporary legitimacy, constructed through citizen participation. Finally, it reflects on the need to strengthen young people's knowledge, ownership, and active involvement in public policies, recognizing them as rights holders and essential actors in social and political development.