Sociology Paper 1 Section A: Forming Youth Subcultures

Question 1

Parsons (Functionalism)

Answer 1

Youth emerged with the development of capitalism. Individuals are taught through education to leave the security of the family, breaking ties with parents. Part time jobs develop responsibility & money management. Youth culture is a ‘rite of passage’.

Question 2

Eisenstadt (Functionalism)

Answer 2

Youth brings young people into society, providing belonging. It can be a safe outlet for tensions, ‘letting off steam’ and getting frustrations ‘out of their system’. Rebellion is often put down to ‘hormones’ but really it is youth pushing boundaries, learning right & wrong.

Question 3

Abrams (Functionalism)

Answer 3

Youth culture was created by the media. They started to have more spending power, so were targeted by businesses and media on purpose.

Question 4

CCCS (Marxism)

Answer 4

Based at Birmingham University in the West Midlands, looking at youth subcultures in the 60s & 70s. Focused on social class and the economic situation faced by young people. Members of these subcultures still faced the same experiences and social issues as the rest of their social class. These include high unemployment and racial tensions. Subcultures can be seen as a form of resistance against the ruling class and the poor economic situation the working class youths find themselves in.