This innovative collection of newly commissioned essays from leading experts in sociology and cultural studies looks at youth culture through subcultural identity. Youth Culture is the first text to bridge sociology and cultural studies in order to understand youth identity replacing the outmoded theories based on deviance. This volume examines the social worlds of young people in their "natural environments"; suburban bedrooms, shopping malls, rock concerts, and school. In addition, it explores the impact of the media and music on youth, using Beavis and Butthead, "grunge", and heavy metal bands as examples of youth subcultural identity.

Epstein's collection of prominent writers and researchers will give you a better understanding of why youths, in particular, are prone to collective identity, and how they achieve their sense of self through fashion, music, sports and entertainment.

Jonathon S. Epstein is an internationally recognized expert on youth culture and rock music. He is a senior consultant for the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame and a Lecturer at Kent State University. He is the author of Adolescents and Their Music: If It's Too Loud You're Too Old (1994).