Key concepts in youth studies

What is youth? How do we understand youth in its social and cultural context? Mark Cieslik and Donald Simpson here 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 discipline 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, the 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.

Introduction: Making Sense of Young People Today Foundational Concepts, Issues and Debates Defining Youth Youth Transitions Youth Cultures Young People and Social Policies Working with Young People Researching Youth Theorizing Youth The History of Youth Young People, Divisions and Inequality Representations of Youth Major Concepts, Issues and Debates Leisure Crime Youth Training Housing Social Networks and Social Capital Well-Being Gender Sexualities Education The Body 'Place' and Belonging Religion Music 'Race' and Ethnicities Informal Learning Social Class Politics, Protest and Social Movements Work and Employment Globalization Disability Consumption The Youth Underclass Homelessness