Summary
Contents
What is youth? How do we understand youth in its social and cultural context?In this timely and sought-after title, Cieslik and Simpson provide a concise and readily accessible introduction to the interdisciplinary field of youth studies. Drawing upon the latest research and developments in the field, as well as discussing the fundamental ideas underlying the disciplines as a whole, it offers a comprehensive yet unpacked understanding of youth as a social phenomenon. Illuminating the many abstract and contested concepts within youth studies, this book offers explanations to questions such as: • How might we define youth? • How can we understand young people in relation to their social identities and practices? • What is the relationship between youth and social class? • How do youth cultures develop? • How can we understand youth in a globalized perspective? Key Concepts in Youth Studies stands out as a natural companion for students on youth studies, sociology, criminology and social science programmes. It will also be useful for youth practitioners such as social workers and teachers. Key Concepts in Youth Studies stands out as a natural companion for students on youth studies, sociology, criminology and social science programmes. It will also be useful for practitioners in area of social work and youth and community development.
The History of Youth
The History of Youth
As we discussed in definitions of youth, the concept of youth is culturally and historically specific – young people vary through time and between different societies. A historical perspective can help us to better understand continuity social change and contemporary issues and problems such as poverty and inequality. A historical focus, as some suggest, ‘is perhaps especially important now, with the accelerating pace of cultural change that has taken place around the world in recent decades due to the influence of globalization’ (Arnett, 2009: xiv). Yet as Mitterauer (1992: vii) notes, ‘the historical study of youth is a relatively new discipline’ encompassing a broad focus on social and political history, the study of urban/rural youth and anthropological ...
