Youth Culture and Politics

Module code: SY2081

Module co-ordinator: Shirley Beller

In this module we will explore Western youth culture in both a sociological and a political context.

We will start by considering definitions of sub-culture and exploring the structural perspectives of the Birmingham School, moving onto a consideration of post-modern theories that include class, feminism, ethnicity, and style.

Together we will explore the role of the media, unpacking the idea of 'moral panics' in historical context through the work of Karl Pearson and Stanley Cohen.

Music is an important element in the way that many young people express their identity so we will consider different genres that have been associated with various sub-cultural groups.