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What Is Sociology of Youth?

Daniel Liden
Daniel Liden

Sociology of youth is a subfield of sociology that seeks to examine the social behaviors of groups of youths. Some research in the field is conducted for purely academic purposes, while other research is applied to youth education and therapy. Youth is a very important time for social development as youths seek greater independence from their parents and start to form social groups with their peers. Subcultures based on factors such as race, interests, and socioeconomic status are of particular importance in the sociology of youth, as they define many personal and social behaviors.

Understanding the social behaviors of youth is the broad theoretical goal of the sociology of youth. A wide range of factors affect youth social behaviors, including socioeconomic background, family life, peer groups, age, and education. Sociological studies generally involve comparisons of the social behaviors of people with different backgrounds and traits. Such studies must control for as many variables as possible in order to determine anything about specific behaviors with any degree of accuracy.

The sociology of youth studies the social behavior of groups of young people.
The sociology of youth studies the social behavior of groups of young people.

The practical application of sociology of youth research involves youth education and therapy. Educational institutions are highly relevant to sociology of youth as many youth social groups are composed of peers who meet and spend time together at school. Understanding the social structures of educational institutions can provide insight into how to better educate youths.

Youth subgroups might be formed around musical tastes.
Youth subgroups might be formed around musical tastes.

For many people, youth is a very tumultuous time of life. Sometimes, this is because of psychological issues that have little or nothing to do with the social conditions of one's life. In many cases, though, youth problems are related to issues with family or friends. Some such problems can be addressed through professional therapy or through intervention by parents or school youth advisers. Greater understanding of the sociology of youth can better prepare counselors, parents, and therapists to handle youth social issues.

The sociology of youth looks at collective behaviors among peers.
The sociology of youth looks at collective behaviors among peers.

Youth subcultures are an important focus in research of the sociology of youth, as such subcultures greatly influence youth behavior. Many youth social groups are organized around subcultures based on personality, background, race, interests, and other factors. Many subcultures, such a goth, emo, and rave, are based largely, though not entirely, on musical preferences. Subcultures usually influence the preferences, morality, fashion, and recreational behaviors of youths. The high level of behavioral influence exerted by subcultures makes them a highly important focus in both the theoretical and practical areas of the field of sociology of youth.

Discussion Comments

ZipLine

I think a new and interesting area of study in youth sociology is social media. Youth use social media more than any other age group. They spend a lot of time on social networking sites and social media sites literally absorbing what they see and hear. They are also active and form their own opinions and respond to what they see. Youth increasingly prefer interacting on social media sites rather than meeting their friends in person.

It would be interesting to see some case studies looking at how social media has impacted youth and their social interactions.

turquoise

@stoneMason-- I'm not an expert on this topic so I'm not sure which factor is most influential. There is no doubt that socioeconomic background is very influential though.

I also think that this is the time period when peer groups are most influential in one's life and social interactions. Youth feel the need to fit in with their peer groups. So they are greatly influenced by how their peers treat them or what they think of them. It affects youth's self esteem greatly. And this in turn affects how they interact with others, their friends, their parents, teachers and siblings.

stoneMason

Of all the factors that affect social behaviors of youth, which is the most prominent or influential? Is it socioeconomic background?

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    • The sociology of youth studies the social behavior of groups of young people.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      The sociology of youth studies the social behavior of groups of young people.
    • Youth subgroups might be formed around musical tastes.
      By: Ziggy Smolinski
      Youth subgroups might be formed around musical tastes.
    • The sociology of youth looks at collective behaviors among peers.
      By: Monkey Business
      The sociology of youth looks at collective behaviors among peers.
    • Gaining understanding of the sociology of youth can better prepare guidance counselors to handle youth issues.
      By: Monkey Business
      Gaining understanding of the sociology of youth can better prepare guidance counselors to handle youth issues.
    • Some youth problems can be addressed through professional therapy.
      By: Africa Studio
      Some youth problems can be addressed through professional therapy.