The Youth Culture Controversy: An Evaluation

Abstract

Based on some evidence gathered from a study of early adolescents, this article attempts to resolve the "youth culture" controversy. It suggests that peer influence is strong during early adolescence but is limited only to certain areas of behavior which are largely allowed by parents. Furthermore, this trend of increased peer influence is symptomatic of a normal development toward autonomy and the forging of an individual identity. It is also argued that an interest in a "pop" culture is often mistakenly represented as the phenomenon of "youth culture," characterized by anti-adult, even antisocial behavior. In sum, utilizing research data gathered among 272 early adolescent females in Northern England, the argument is that, in actuality, there is no youth culture controversy.