Sue Sharpe – författare

In this era of rapid and unsettling change, boys now more than ever face difficulties in establishing their self-image and status. In this original and challenging study Mike O''Donnell and Sue Sharpe explore how teenage boys from white, African-Caribbean and Asian backgrounds negotiate contemporary uncertainties to construct their gender identities.Drawing theoretical insights about how class, race and ethnicity critically affect the formulation of masculinities throughout, the authors examine:* the discrepancies between boys and girls'' attitudes and expectations* the split between boys'' formal acceptance of politically correct ideas and their informal behaviour amongst the peer group* boys'' leisure pursuits including involvement in illegal activities and their selective identification with global youth culture.Uncertain Masculinities is a fascinating account of the complexity of contemporary boys'' identities and will be of use to students of the sociology of youth and of gender studies.

In this era of rapid and unsettling change, boys now more than ever face difficulties in establishing their self-image and status. In this original and challenging study Mike O''Donnell and Sue Sharpe explore how teenage boys from white, African-Caribbean and Asian backgrounds negotiate contemporary uncertainties to construct their gender identities.Drawing theoretical insights about how class, race and ethnicity critically affect the formulation of masculinities throughout, the authors examine:* the discrepancies between boys and girls'' attitudes and expectations* the split between boys'' formal acceptance of politically correct ideas and their informal behaviour amongst the peer group* boys'' leisure pursuits including involvement in illegal activities and their selective identification with global youth culture.Uncertain Masculinities is a fascinating account of the complexity of contemporary boys'' identities and will be of use to students of the sociology of youth and of gender studies.

Inventing Adulthoods offers a ground-breaking new perspective on young peoples' experiences of growing up at the turn of the 21st century, arguing that a biographical approach is vital to understanding the holistic and dynamic character of their lives. Based on a study of a diverse group of young people over a 10 year period, the book explores high profile policy issues: education, employment, drugs, cultures of violence and well-being. It also considers the significance of those things that mean most to young people themselves: mobility, home, belonging, intimacy and social life.

The book is written in a lively and engaging style and, through case studies and interviews, examines:

"the impact that social factors such as gender, class, sexuality, religion, disability and family have on life opportunities; and

"connections between young people's lives, social policy frameworks and practice applications.

Inventing Adulthoods is an invaluable resource to anyone interested in the lives of young people. Thought-provoking yet accessible, this book is ideal for students in youth studies and education, as it is for youth workers, social workers and other practitioners.

Inventing Adulthoods is the set book for the Open University course Youth: Perspectives and Practice (KE308).

Sheila Henderson is a Visiting Fellow at London South Bank University. Janet Holland is Professor of Social Research and Co-director of the Families and Social Capital ESRC Research Group at London South Bank University. Sheena McGrellis is a Senior Research Fellow in the Families Group, but is based at University of Ulster. Sue Sharpe is a Visiting Fellow at London South Bank University. Rachel Thomson is Professor of Social Research in the Faculty of Health and Social Care at The Open University.

Inventing Adulthoods offers a ground-breaking new perspective on young peoples' experiences of growing up at the turn of the 21st century, arguing that a biographical approach is vital to understanding the holistic and dynamic character of their lives. Based on a study of a diverse group of young people over a 10 year period, the book explores high profile policy issues: education, employment, drugs, cultures of violence and well-being. It also considers the significance of those things that mean most to young people themselves: mobility, home, belonging, intimacy and social life.

The book is written in a lively and engaging style and, through case studies and interviews, examines:

"the impact that social factors such as gender, class, sexuality, religion, disability and family have on life opportunities; and

"connections between young people's lives, social policy frameworks and practice applications.

Inventing Adulthoods is an invaluable resource to anyone interested in the lives of young people. Thought-provoking yet accessible, this book is ideal for students in youth studies and education, as it is for youth workers, social workers and other practitioners.

Inventing Adulthoods is the set book for the Open University course Youth: Perspectives and Practice (KE308).

Sheila Henderson is a Visiting Fellow at London South Bank University. Janet Holland is Professor of Social Research and Co-director of the Families and Social Capital ESRC Research Group at London South Bank University. Sheena McGrellis is a Senior Research Fellow in the Families Group, but is based at University of Ulster. Sue Sharpe is a Visiting Fellow at London South Bank University. Rachel Thomson is Professor of Social Research in the Faculty of Health and Social Care at The Open University.