Youth types

Youth representation and theories

1. Youth types By Danielle Duffy

2. Comparative Youth Culture Michael Brake’s theory divides youths into four different types: Respectable Delinquent Cultural Rebels Politically Militant

3. Respectable youth Conformist or straight youth Avoid involvement in teen culture Well behaved and polite Representation in media Typically in media, respectable youth are represented as experiencing or having experienced some form of bullying for their idealistic behaviour This often stems from jealousy from delinquent youth types particularly who may envy their success Also, with regards to the costume and appearance of these types of characters, stereotypically a ‘geek’ like character will be seen wearing glasses, and outfits others would consider unfashionable, usually deliberately making them unattractive and socially awkward

4. Delinquent youth Usually working class Involved in illegal activities such as vandalism, violence and theft, with some females being sexual deviants Trouble makers Careless Impertinent Representation in media The media makes us believe that the majority of youth fit into this sector, causing trouble and getting involved in dangerous activities. Consequently people of other ages (particularly older adults) scapegoat teenagers in a negative way

5. Delinquent youth example TV Drama Kidulthood portrays youth as stereotypically delinquents; being involved in partying, drinking, smoking and drug taking Also they are portrayed as violent, and the use of costume (hoodies and casual clothing) depicts them as poor (lower class, perhaps money is wasted on addiction) depicts them as intimidating to others Middle-aged shop keeper takes out a bat in defence to ward off the youth male who is stealing – represents delinquent youth as being afraid of by others. Their violent behaviour means others from different groups usually try to avoid them I would say that this representation is somewhat accurate because groups alike these do exist in our society, however it is perhaps an unfair representation as some individuals have reasons (typically due to some type of suffering) that causes them to act in such ways, and that perhaps we need to offer help to these people It is possible to establish a link between delinquent youth and Gramsci’s Hegemony – this negative representation of youth could have been implemented by the elite to indoctrinate the audience into thinking that all youth (particularly lower class) are like this, and that only higher classes are capable of ‘saving’ them from their violence

6. Cultural Rebels Typically middle class Involved in bohemian tradition Hippies Interest in and supporting artists Socially unconventional Representation in media From a 1967 ‘Hippie temptation’ documentation, cultural rebels are depicted as independent and hard working. Also, it seems they enjoy smoking and doing drugs, which represents them as rather careless. They partake in such recreational activities as they want to enjoy life and take it easy. The men’s long, grown-out hairstyles show how they feel no pressure to fit-in with society, and do things their own way. They like to express themselves and have an interest in art and music Their attitude could be considered a passive opposition to convention I believe that this type is rather outdated and isn’t common in current media

7. Politically Militant youth Interest in politics Protests for rights e.g. religion, students Representation in media Looking at a newspaper article documenting the violent outcome of a student protest against school fees rising an extortionate amount, I would say that this group are thought to be violent and aggressive This gives them quite a negative portrayal, but perhaps this has only happens as a result of the changes that will affect their lives greatly This portrayal is unfair as not all of the protestors are aggressive like this, and the media only broadcasting this part of the protest gives all politically militant youth as violent and dangerous