Snakes & Ladders: In Defence of Studies of Youth Transition

• DOI: 10.5153/sro.552
• Publication Date: 2010-03-30T14:25:16Z
• Authors: Robert MacDonald; Paul Mason; Tracy Shildrick; Colin Webster; Les Johnston; Louise Ridley
• Keywords: Youth studies; Theme (computing); Value (mathematics)

Although enjoying a period of renewed government policy interest and favourable research funding, youth studies has recently come under considerable intellectual attack, much it from within. A common theme is that the major conceptual approach most British over past twenty years - sociological study transitions not helpful in approaching ‘the question’. The paper locates these recent critiques terms development ‘two traditions’ UK; which served to separate structural cultural analyses so limit theoretical potential field. qualitative young people growing up Teesside, Northeast England then discussed. Close analysis biographies two its participants are used as basis for reconsideration nature amongst ‘socially excluded’ discussion some limitations studies. argues sort research, methods employed here provide one example how interests aspects might be integrated. It concludes by reasserting value broad conceptualisation transition understanding social, economic processes define phase.