Publisher Description

What is youth? How do we understand youth in its social and cultural context? In this timely and sought-after title, Mark Cieslik and Donald 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 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.

Author Biography

Dr. Mark Cieslik is a senior lecturer in sociology at the Department of Social Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK. Mark has researched young people, learning, and literacies as well as aspects of well-being and happiness. He established the British Sociological Association Happiness Study Group in 2009. He is the author of The Happiness Riddle and the Quest for a Good Life (2017) and coauthored with Donald Simpson, Key Concepts in Youth Studies (2013). He is conducting research into mindfulness as well as cross-national comparative projects into happiness/well-being.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Making Sense of Young People TodayFoundational Concepts, Issues and DebatesDefining YouthYouth TransitionsYouth CulturesYoung People and Social PoliciesWorking with Young PeopleResearching YouthTheorizing YouthThe History of YouthYoung People, Divisions and InequalityRepresentations of YouthMajor Concepts, Issues and DebatesLeisureCrimeYouth TrainingHousingSocial Networks and Social CapitalWell-BeingGenderSexualitiesEducationThe Body′Place′ and BelongingReligionMusic′Race′ and EthnicitiesInformal LearningSocial ClassPolitics, Protest and Social MovementsWork and EmploymentGlobalizationDisabilityConsumptionThe Youth UnderclassHomelessness

Review

"Key Concepts in Youth Studies is an engaging, concise reference book that critically addresses new work in a rapidly changing social science field....Focusing on discourses, categories, methods, and research with young people, the authors address how social and political changes enable and constrain youths′ opportunities in a rapidly changing world. Although many of the examples are UK-based, this is a valuable contribution to the literature on youth studies globally, the field′s changing research, and future challenges. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates and above." -- K.E. Gibson * CHOICE *
Useful as a reference book, a study guide and an introductory primer, this clearly-written and well-organised text covers all the bases. For students of youth studies, this is one of the most accessible and useful introductory books on the market. -- Steve Hall
A handy access point for students across disciplines to pinpoint contemporary areas of concern, debate and contestation within the field of youth studies. The book offers a timely focus on challenging social, cultural and economic issues as the youth agenda intensifies in its political relevance. The breadth of topics and further references material make this an invaluable aid to research and advanced study for both post and undergraduates. -- Shane Blackman
Taps directly into current debates and developments in youth studies. It offers a succinct introduction to foundational concepts and issues such as the division between cultural and post-cultural approaches, as well as addressing more recent concerns, such as the idea that youth have become narcissistic. Comprehensive and accessible, this book provides an essential introduction to youth studies, guiding the reader towards an understanding of young people′s lives in an increasingly complex, global, connected and also divided world. -- Johanna Wyn
An excellent starting point for students and researchers new to youth studies. Through a series of well researched and accessible chapters, Cieslik and Simpson introduce readers to key themes and issues in youth research, from foundational concepts through to contemporary debates on a diverse range of specific research topics. Informed by up to date scholarship and acknowledging throughout the ever changing and complex nature of young people′s lives, this is essential reading for those wishing to gain an overview of this dynamic field of research.
-- Sue Heath
A mini-encyclopedia of youth studies. A window to global culture through the eyes of young people. A helpful tool for the next generations of youth researchers. -- Carles Feixa

Review Quote

Useful as a reference book, a study guide and an introductory primer, this clearly-written and well-organised text covers all the bases. For students of youth studies, this is one of the most accessible and useful introductory books on the market. Steve Hall Professor of Criminology, Teesside University, UK This book is a handy access point for students across disciplines to pinpoint contemporary areas of concern, debate and contestation within the field of youth studies. The book offers a timely focus on challenging social, cultural and economic issues as the youth agenda intensifies in its political relevance. The breadth of topics and further references material make Key Concepts in Youth Studies an invaluable aid to research and advanced study for both post and undergraduates. Shane Blackman Professor of Cultural Studies, Canterbury Christ Church University, UK Key Concepts in Youth Studies taps directly into current debates and developments in youth studies. It offers a succinct introduction to foundational concepts and issues such as the division between cultural and post-cultural approaches, as well as addressing more recent concerns, such as the idea that youth have become narcissistic. Comprehensive and accessible, this book provides an essential introduction to youth studies, guiding the reader towards an understanding of young people's lives in an increasingly complex, global, connected and also divided world. Johanna Wyn Professor in Education and Director, Youth Research Centre, The University of Melbourne, Australia Key Concepts in Youth Studies provides an excellent starting point for students and researchers new to youth studies. Through a series of well researched and accessible chapters, Cieslik and Simpson introduce readers to key themes and issues in youth research, from foundational concepts through to contemporary debates on a diverse range of specific research topics. Informed by up to date scholarship and acknowledging throughout the ever changing and complex nature of young people's lives, this is essential reading for those wishing to gain an overview of this dynamic field of research. Sue Heath Professor of Sociology, Co-Director of the Morgan Centre for the Study of Relationships and Personal Life, University of Manchester A miniencyclopedia of youth studies. A window to global culture through the eyes of young people. A helpful tool for the next generations of youth researchers. A master key for entering youth public and private homes. Carles Feixa University of Lleida, Catalonia, Spain

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