166-083 Sociology of Youth & Youth Policy

Formerly available as 166-250/350. Students who have completed 166-250/350 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Usually two first-year sociology subjects.

This subject introduces major sociological approaches to youth, and explores ways different groups of young people experience and interact with the state through examining youth policy. The subject locates youth experience in changing forms of socialisation, with reference to school, work, family, gender and sexual identities. It examines ways youth is constructed as a category of policy, discussing contemporary issues such as youth homelessness, health and legal issues. It focuses on young people's responses, exploring ways young people can be understood as social actors. On completion of this subject students should have a knowledge of contemporary sociological approaches to youth; have a knowledge of contemporary youth policy, with reference to current Australian debates; and have an ability to critically evaluate areas of contemporary youth policy.

Written work totalling 4000 words.

• P Dwyer & J Wyn, Education and Risk: Facing the Future. Routledge/Falmer, 2001.
• J Wyn & R White, Rethinking Youth. Allen & Unwin, 1997.
• J McLeod & K Malone (eds), Researching Youth. Australian Clearinghouse for Youth Studies, 2000.