Politically Militant Youth

IntroductionYouth Culture Theory

In his book, Comparative Youth Culture, Michael Brake splits the study of youth into four main areas.

• Respectable Youth

• Delinquent Youth

• Cultural Rebels

• Politically Militant Youths

The area we will be focusing on is Politically Militant Youths.

Starter Can you identify a politically militant youth?

A. B.

C. D.

Now you have some understanding, can you define a politically militant youth?

What is a politically militant youth?Our definition:

A politically militant youth is a young person who is involved in protests about political issues. They are very opinionated and fight for their beliefs. These can include ethnic groups, civil-rights movements, issue-orientated (anti-war), environmental groups and student groups.

Politically militant youths in TV Dramas

Can you think of any examples of characters or

storylines?

Politically Militant Youths in TV Dramas

One example is the comedy/drama Fresh Meat on Channel 4. The whole plot revolves around the lives six university students who live together. As they are students, the programme looks at the subject of student riots and protest about the cuts to education costs. These people are examples of politically militant youths.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQ7YVrqtL7c

Task In pairs or threes, come up with the perfect politically militant youth character in a TV Drama.

Things to think about:

• Interests/likes and dislikes

• Their storyline in the TV drama (Why would they be protesting? What do they believe in?)

• Their socio-economic group

As well as anything else you think is important to know about this character, be creative. You have 2-3 minutes.

The best one will win a prize!

Summary

How confident do you think you are in your understanding of politically militant youths?