Policy Press

Youth Prospects in the Digital Society

Identities and Inequalities in an Unravelling Europe

By John Bynner and Walter Heinz

Published

Mar 26, 2021

Page count

178 pages

ISBN

978-1447351481

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Mar 26, 2021

Page count

178 pages

ISBN

978-1447351467

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Mar 26, 2021

Page count

178 pages

ISBN

978-1447351498

Dimensions

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Mar 26, 2021

Page count

178 pages

ISBN

978-1447351498

Dimensions

Imprint

Policy Press
Youth Prospects in the Digital Society

In an age when the next generation have worse prospects than those of their parents, this book appraises the challenges young people face resulting from the instability of their lives.

Based on youth experience of education, employment and political participation in England and Germany, the book examines the impact of digitalisation in the context of rising inequality, accelerating technological transformation, fragile European institutions, growing nationalism and mental and economic stress arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The insights gained point to young peoples’ agency as central to acquiring the skills and resources needed to shape their future in the digital society.

John Bynner is Professor Emeritus of Social Sciences in Education in the Centre for Longitudinal Studies at the University College London Institute of Education.

Walter R. Heinz is Professor Emeritus of Sociology and Psychology, and Senior Faculty member of the Bremen International Graduate School of Social Sciences at the University of Bremen.

Introduction: Pathways to adulthood

Social structure and inequality

Identity and social media

Youth and Europe

Navigating the transition to adulthood

Education, capability and skills

Smart families and community

Political participation, mobilisation and the internet

Impact of COVID-19 on youth

Conclusions: Youth policy challenges