Family
Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR) – 15 yr olds in the UK were more likely to than teenagers from other European countries to get involved in violence. Conclusion = lack of parent child interaction
(Well no shit Sherlock)
Primary socialisation – children become aware of the different norms and values associated with age.
(Par example: “daddy pays for the toys!”)
Social Control Mechanism – sanctions and rewards coincide with the age, you’re not going to use the “naughty corner” for a 15 yr. old boy? Are you?
Gardner et al – parents increasingly concerned about the different exposures to their children (especially with the technology on an all-time BOOM) they stay dependant on their parent because of the LACK of independence until an average age of 25!
Media
Postman – media encouraged children to grow up too quickly
Sontag (1978) – double standard; women are look youthful whilst on TV … the men have no necessity.
Thornton (1996) – argues the media is largely responsible for youth culture and a range of other youth identities in contemporary UK. Music to advertising there’s a positive correlation between the two on style and youth.
Hypodermic syringe theory – representations of the youth/old age. Advertising informs certain forms of behaviour. There is the differentiation between the different ages.
Peer groups
Cote – young people tend to distance themselves from the parents. They see their peer groups as MORE important (the lil shitz)
Shain (2003) – studies how a different groups of Asian girls created distinct identities with in these groups. (The rebels, the survivors, faith girls etc…) They used it as a way of coping with school. Peer groups as you can see were CRUICAL.
Studies present the grave influence on norms and values during the age of youth.
Most studies of youth agree that the role of the PG is crucial in the identification of the youth identity.
They also reinforce norms and values e.g: the infamous “peer pressure” … kids on dope, relationships, all that ish. It could also be the “good stuff” such as studying, right.
Religion
Evidence show contemporary U is becoming secularised.
The older are more spiritual than younger generations.
McKingsley (2001) – religion = coping strategy for 85+
Can shape our views on age and illustrate difference between different groups
Dench et al: extended families, Muslims told to look after the elderly explaining why they have the extended families.
Voas and Crosckett – noted about people and their religious beliefs.
Young white people = non- religious or atheist. Therefore can distinguish young form old.
Although afro- Caribbean’s and Asians are more practising.
Education
Formal curriculum – by law it is permissible to attend school form 5-18 years of age.
The subjects you’re taught change to suit your age at school.
The older you get the more you’re expected to know
Therefore age = wiser.
Informal curriculum – again the use of social control mechanism like the family used.
Nursery = rewards such as stickers and toys. But as you get older these “incentives” stop.
They also used simplistic language but as you head into secondary you’re given more formal language.
Sewell (2000) – Caribbean boys formed identity by becoming “rebels” or “retreatisits”
Work place
Age you work
Type of job
Rates of pay which determines retirement
Arber and Ginn – elderly experience “ageism” in the workplace. Forced in redundancy, retirement, unemployment
e.g: there are now barriers for people in their 40’s, it’s harder for them to find another job; harder to train them.
Bradley – older people less likely to be suitable for employment. “Physically slow” “lack of dynamism” “not very adaptable to change”
Postmodernist: advancement in technology = more difficult more older people to seek work.
