Introduction

This chapter introduces the concept of intergenerational conflict. It situates the research in the field of youth studies and the crucial role that ‘youth’ plays in adults’ perceptions of young people and the central role that the concept of ‘adult’ plays in the self. It introduces Bourdieu’s concept of habitus as the central element in the methodology of analysing intergenerational conflict. It introduces the concept of generational zeitgeist and how those shared generational experiences serve to ‘lock in’ notions of an authentic youth generational experience. It outlines the central role that cultural products and texts play in young people’s sense of self, using Paul Willis’ concept of grounded aesthetics and de Nora’s concept of introjection. It concludes with a synopsis of each following chapters.