WJEC/Eduqas Sociology for AS & Year 1 SRG

95 I: Thinking about examinations Plan your answer very carefully because the question is asking you to consider a range of ideas. If you decide what you intend to write and bullet point some ideas, you will find it much easier to focus on your answer. Tip If you can refer to other theories as well, this will show wide-ranging knowledge: – feminism – functionalism – interactionism – Marxism – postmodernism. • Focus on how well each theory (or explanation) explains the growth of youth cultures. • Conclude with an argument that each theory (or explanation) offers some insight, but that none fully explains the growth of youth cultures because so many social causes influence social behaviour. Ceri’s answer Sociologists from a variety of sociological perspectives have offered a range of reasons why youth cultures appear to have grown since the first appearance of teddy boys in 1950s London. As with many youth cultures, there are a variety of different theories as to how and when they developed, however the reasons for the development of this and other youth cultures appears to be linked to social changes. One of the reasons for the growth in teen culture is linked to the end of World War II. There was a growth in the number of young people born after the War, and plenty of work was available. This economic change meant that young people were a market for teen products such as the media. Young people were able to buy fashions and music. Now young people have become consumers of games. Functionalists suggested that teen cultures were just a transition phase from childhood to adulthood. The media were important to girls who were able to develop a bedroom culture. A sociologist studied girls and said that they stayed in their bedrooms and read magazines. Another sociologist looked at the media and said that people used Facebook and that this was part of youth culture. She said that young people now gained status from their friends based on their knowledge of cult bands and films. Globalisation has meant that young people are more aware of different cultural forms so that they buy cheap fashion items made in other countries or their styles are influenced by other cultures. The skinheads listened to reggae music, for example, even though many of them were racist. Teddy boys listened to American rock ’n’ roll music. Now Asian cultures have influenced modern music through bhangra styles. More young people are staying in education, so they are not able to go out and work. The government is encouraging people to stay in education till they are 18. This means that they are delaying the age at which they leave home, start work or have a family. They are teenagers for much longer now and so they are extending the transition phase. Girls are becoming more part of youth cultures as they have more freedom than in the past. For example, the Spice Girls encouraged Girl Power. However, some girls Are teenagers’ bedrooms a place of safety or a health hazard to be avoided?

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