Originally published in 1991, this study examines the views of politics presented by young people in contemporary Britain. Bhavnani argues that previous studies of youth and youth culture were limited by too great a reliance on simple survey techniques, and by lack of attention to conceptions of politics amongst young people, and to politics as a series of lived relationships rather than a set of external objects. Instead, she uses ethnographic approaches and open-response interviewing within the broad theoretical framework of social representations. The political is taken to refer to the ways in which people regulate, and attempt to regulate with a view to challenging, unequal social relationships. Within this the specific issues examined are employment, unemployment, youth training schemes, democracy and voting, racism, and marriage. Bhavnani's analysis, organised by themes such as disposable income and social and personal control, tackles questions of power in the research process; and a notion of discursive configurations as distinct from social representations.

Product Description: Recent years have witnessed growing concerns about the disengagement of young people from conventional politics both in Britain and internationally. Their non-participation is often viewed as reflecting both a deeper political alienation and 'apathy' amongst young people, and a wider political malaise across western societies...read more

Product Description: In the spirit of No Logo and Fast Food Nation, Disconnected is the author's journey into modern youth culture, meeting and speaking to hundreds of kids on the way. Shocking and revealing, it gives adults an insight into understanding a generation gap that has never been so wide...read more

Product Description: This unique book is based on the findings of research carried out by young people about the concerns of their peers. It contains the views and opinions of 70 young people aged from 10 to 17 years old throughout the UK. They were interviewed by a team of six young researchers aged 14-16 who were trained in research skills by the National Children’s Bureau before undertaking group interviews in a variety of settings, including secure units, schools and youth projects...read more