ABSTRACT
This part introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters. It addresses the questions of whether young people constitute a distinct social grouping, and explores the extent to which they vary both within their own age cohort and with other age groups. The part examines whether as a result of wider socio-economic trends, there has been a universal shift in values among young people in Finland towards a “post-materialist” culture and considers the nature and source of new value orientations. It draws on the research in post-soviet Ukraine to explore the differential impact of political and social transformations on self-identity and whether there are generational differences in concepts of citizenship and belonging. The part discusses the constructions of national and ethnic identity. It also explores the sources of young people’s world views, in particular the ways in which there may be variation according to their education, gender and family beliefs.
