Description
Book SynopsisElgar Advanced Introductions are stimulating and thoughtful introductions to major fields in the social sciences, business and law, expertly written by the world’s leading scholars. Designed to be accessible yet rigorous, they offer concise and lucid surveys of the substantive and policy issues associated with discrete subject areas.
This Advanced Introduction to Youth Studies analyses the historical development of the sociology of youth in the context of changing population demographics. Howard Williamson and James Côté explore competing paradigms underlying current understandings of youth with reference to key philosophical, theoretical and methodological debates.
Young people’s transitions to adulthood and youth cultural behaviour are then explored. The authors conclude with a consideration of youth policies and how, in the future, these may be better informed by sociological research.
Key Features:
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- Fact-based analysis of key debates
- Sociological perspectives informed by multidisciplinary analyses
- Concise coverage of complex topics
- Policy recommendations informed by years of experience in the field
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This Advanced Introduction will provide essential reading for scholars and researchers of sociology and sociological theory, as well as youth workers and students looking for an excellent introduction to youth studies.
Trade Review‘Wow, a brief, yet concise overview on youth studies in 200 pages. Showcasing the key areas the reader will find a rich view on primarily Anglo-Saxon youth sociology and an intriguing input for multifarious academic and non-academic discussions and debates in the field of youth research.’ -- Hans Dietrich, Institute for Employment Research, Germany
‘This timely book provides a fresh outlook on youth sociology, using historical perspectives to highlight the contrasts between different theories in the field while critically analysing contemporary scientific and methodological debates. This important book will help to illustrate how youth studies contributes to the social sciences.’ -- Helena Helve, University of Tampere and University of Helsinki, Finland
‘Williamson and Cote cover philosophical, epistemological, and political underpinnings of youth studies in a highly accessible manner. Their historical, cross-national, multidisciplinary, and multimethod perspectives distinguish this book from works arising from distinct academic “silos.” Fresh insights on school-to-work transitions, youth culture and policy illuminate difficulties confronting young people today.’ -- Jeylan Mortimer, University of Minnesota, US
Table of ContentsContents: Preface 1. A brief history of youth in the life course 2. A brief history of the sociology of youth 3. Critical issues and debates in youth studies 4. Youth as a transitional period of the life course 5. Youth as a cultural experience 6. Understanding youth policy from a sociological perspective Conclusion References Index
