Separate selves, tribal ties, and other stories
Making sense of different accounts of youth
You are in an archived section of the AIFS website
September 2004
Download Family Matters article
Abstract
Are young people having the time of their lives, or struggling with life in their times? Research findings and commentaries on young people are often a recipe for confusion. The author draws on his new book, 'Well and good: How we feel and why it matters', to argue that it is not an 'either/or' situation, and to call for a greater appreciation of the causal layers and complexities behind the patterns and trends in young people's well being.
Are young people having the time of their lives, or struggling with life in their times? Research findings and commentaries on young people are often a recipe for confusion. The author draws on his new book, 'Well and good: How we feel and why it matters', to argue that it is not an 'either/or' situation, and to call for a greater appreciation of the causal layers and complexities behind the patterns and trends in young people's well being.