Youth subcultures

Question 1

What is youth?

Answer 1

• The period between childhood and adulthood, typically ages 13-19 years
• Socially constructed, as youth varies between cultures and time period

Question 2

What does Postman say about youth?

Answer 2

• ‘Disappearence of childhood’
• Blames the media for exposing children to the adult world at a young age, and sexualising them - Children are growing up much earlier on

Question 3

What is youth culture?

Answer 3

• The idea that all youths share a particular set of norms and values that are distinct from adults or children

Question 4

What are some features that distinguish youth from adults?

Answer 4

• Involvement in education, rather than work
• Lack of responsibilities (bills, rent, children)
• Importance of peer groups
• Conflict with parents

Question 5

What are youth subcultures?

Answer 5

• Distinctive groups of youths, within the wider youth culture, who stand out in terms of style, dress, music taste and attitudes

Question 6

What are spectacular youth subcultures?

Answer 6

• Describes the highly visible subcultures of the 1950s-70s
• Have very flamboyant and instantly recognisable styles, and often have confrontational attitudes
  E.g: teddy boys, punks, mods, skinheads