Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides a basis for analysing youth as a social process by outlining the relationship between youth and economy. It focuses on the idea of youth development, which has provided a powerful legacy influencing contemporary research, practice and policy regarding young people. The book explores the nature of the connections young people have with particular cultural forms and how this relates to wider social processes. It also focuses on the way in which youth is constructed and structured through the institutions that 'process' the transitions to adulthood. The book suggests that the idea of 'transition' has enjoyed particular attention recently because the 'transition processes' that are structured by institutions are seen to be failing to offer real pathways for all young people towards gaining a legitimate livelihood.