Youth wing
A youth wing is a subsidiary, autonomous, or independently allied front of a larger organization that is formed in order to rally support and allegiance for that organization's campaigns from members and potential members of a younger age. Youth wings may also be discussion forums for younger members and supporters of the organization to debate policy and ideology.
Political parties
The term "youth wing" is most often used to refer to the youth wings of political parties; in such youth wings, ranking or leading members are often seen, upon attainance of the minimum age requirement, as potential leaders or bureaucrats of the main political party. This has led to a perception of political party youth wings as being mere gateways of employment opportunity in the government bureaucracy for younger members, especially in the case of dominant- or one-party systems where a party is ensured of victory at the polls.
Distinctions
From student wings
Youth wings are distinct from student wings, as the former is not necessarily established on, nor solely focused upon, a student-exclusive basis.
From political factions
Youth wings are not considered as factions of a political party, as youth wings are intended as youth-friendly projections and extensions of party policy and ideology rather than being differently ideologised from the leadership of the party proper.