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 and Wellbeing
Young People and Wellbeing
Happiness and wellbeing have been the topic of recent widespread debate (Bauman, 2008; Layard, 2005) though the issue of how to flourish through life, balancing the fleeting pleasures with a more enduring contentment, has a long history dating to Socrates and Plato (McMahon, 2006). Contemporary writers view wellbeing as having both subjective and objective components; those aspects that reflect a young person's thoughts and emotional experiences around their life (subjective wellbeing) and then more concrete characteristics such as income, physical health, education, housing, etc. (Argyle, 2004: 14). The study of adolescent wellbeing is complicated by the physiological and psychological changes associated with the maturation process, and also the changes in resources and relationships that come with adulthood ...
