Topic 5 - age inequality and youth? Flashcards
Introduction?
Government data on age is accurate and reliable, as it is based on birth dates. However, the concept of “youth” is subjective and varies depending on individual perspective. While there is no clear-cut age defining adulthood, people gain most adult rights at 18, though exceptions exist (e.g., individuals can marry at 16 but cannot watch an 18-rated film). Additionally, those under 21 may earn a lower minimum wage than those over 21. Overall, young people face limitations in rights and equality compared to adults.
Operationalising youth?
The legal definition of youth in the UK is unclear. At 16, individuals can marry with parental consent and leave school, but must continue education or work. However, they cannot get a tattoo or piercing without parental consent until 18. In England, 16-year-olds must engage in full-time education or work, while in Wales, 15-year-olds can leave school if their 16th birthday falls before the end of the summer holidays. Although 18 marks full adult rights, young people are often still viewed as either a problem to control or vulnerable individuals in need of protection.
Evidence of youth inequality and the media?
A 1998 study by Children’s Express found that the media often uses harmful stereotypes to portray children and young people. These included:
Victims: Young people depicted as vulnerable or in need of protection.
Cute kids: Presented as adorable, often stripping them of agency or depth.
Naughty kids: Stereotyped as troublemakers or “little devils.”
Exceptional and brilliant children: Highlighting a rare few as extraordinary, which can create unrealistic expectations.
Children as accessories: Often shown as mere extensions of their famous parents.
“Kids these days”: An expression of adults’ nostalgia, often used to criticize the behavior of young people.
Little angels: Portrayed as innocent and beyond reproach, ignoring any complexities or flaws.
These stereotypes contribute to a limited and often negative representation of youth in the media.
Evidence of youth inequality, work and income poverty
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s 2011 report highlighted that younger adults, particularly those born after the 1970s, face more challenges than those born in the 1950s, especially in terms of work and income. Young people, particularly those without qualifications, struggle to find jobs, with higher rates of unemployment and mental health issues. Factors like inadequate housing, rising debt, cuts to benefits, and youth unemployment contribute to these difficulties. Young people are three times more likely to be unemployed than older adults, and even those with qualifications face high competition. Research by Belfield et al. (2014) showed a 22% income drop for young people between 2007 and 2014, exacerbating their financial struggles. Despite a slight increase in education participation, employment rates for young adults have decreased, with a fall in employment for those aged 20-21, while rates remained stable for older adults.
Evidence of political inequality + the youth
Political inequality among youth is highlighted by lower voting participation, with younger people less likely to vote than older, wealthier individuals. Gottfrid et al. (2013) noted that this leads to policies favoring older voters, as seen in the 2010 austerity measures that disproportionately impacted young households. The Electoral Commission (2002) found that young people often view traditional politics negatively, making them less likely to vote, although they may have strong views on issues like the environment. Furthermore, young people are underrepresented in parliament, with MPs typically around 50 years old and only a few under 30, meaning their interests are not adequately represented.
