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.
Young People, Divisions and Inequality
Young People, Divisions and Inequality
The study of young people by social scientists invariably involves the investigation of social divisions and inequality. The enduring, structured patterns of experiences in society that frame the identities and life chances of young people are at the heart of many of the debates in youth studies. Very often researchers regard social divisions and inequality as pathological as they have a deleterious effect on quality of life – they are social problems that need to be reduced. Wilkinson and Pickett (2009) point to how growing differences in the income and wealth within societies is associated with poorer health and educational outcomes for young people. Though some suggest that many social divisions are inevitable and reflect ...
