This accessible textbook offers a wide-ranging and critical overview of the analyses and debates concerning young people in the United Kingdom today. It brings together a series of readings to encourage critical reflection and thinking about the changing and diverse lives and priorities of young people.

The period of youth is one of multiple transitions - personal, social, legal and political. During these transitions, opportunities arise for young people to become actively involved in shaping the decisions that will influence their future. The themes and issues addressed in this book include: citizenship, participation and empowerment; social difference and social identity; images of youth; young people and the politics of service provision; and working with young people in different contexts.