Youth and Society

This module provides learners with an opportunity to explore and critically analyze the position of childhood and youth from a sociological perspective. Students will be introduced to theoretical perspectives on the phenomena of ?childhood? and ?youth?, exploring how these concepts have varied across time and culture. Drawing on relevant theory and empirical research, learners will engage in an in-depth analysis of a range of thematic issues within contemporary research on childhood and youth, including education, citizenship and political engagement, family life and relationships, culture, lifestyle and the digital world. The key themes explored across the module will include: ? The changing nature and meaning of childhood and youth. ? The role of socially structured constraint and individual agency in shaping transitions from childhood to adulthood in Ireland and internationally. ? Life course perspective as a lens through which to view childhood and youth ? How youth voice, rights and participation are conceptualized and exercised across various domains and settings. ? Learning from emerging research, including Growing up in Ireland longitudinal study and research conducted by the UNESCO Child & Family Research Centre at NUI Galway.