Inventing Adulthoods: A Biographical Approach to Youth Transitions (Published in association with The Open University)

About this book

Inventing Adulthoods: A Biographical Approach to Youth Transitions is a ground-breaking book that offers a new approach to understanding young people′s lives and their transitions to adulthood. Contrary to policy and research approaches that often see young people′s lives in a fragmented way, the book argues that a biographical approach to youth is vital to capture the holistic and dynamic character of young lives. Based on a study of a diverse group of 100 young people over a ten year period, the book shows how the interplay of chance, choice, and opportunity can shape their lives. The book explores a number of high profile policy issues such as: education, employment, chemical cultures, cultures of violence and well-being; but also considers the significance of those things that mean most to young people themselves: mobility, home, belonging, intimacy and sociality. Key Features: An emphasis on case studies and interviews A consideration of the impact that social factors such as gender, social class, sexuality, religion, disability, and family have on young people′s life opportunities Connections between young people′s lives, social policy frameworks, and practice applications A lively and engaging style Inventing Adulthoods is an invaluable book for anyone interested in the lives of young people. Thought-provoking yet accessible, the text is ideal for students interested in youth studies, education and social change, as well as for youth workers, social workers and other practitioners.

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