In France, youth work does not have a strict definition and refers to different realities and professional practices. However, it is more generally associated with the sector of "sociocultural animation" on which this chapter will focus on.

The socio-cultural animation sector is part of the non-formal education sector. In recent years, it has undergone many changes both professionally and legislatively: professionalization and progressive institutionalization in a context of increased needs for animation, involving new issues and also changing professional practices.