Reframing Irish Youth in the Sixties

Reframing Irish Youth in the Sixties explores how the international definition of youth influenced social change in Ireland during the 1960s. It argues that the reformulation of youth as a social category was a key element of this change, and that young people became a pivotal point around which a new national project of economic growth hinged. The book examines the attitudes of those in government, the media, civil society organizations, and religious bodies to youth and young people, addressing new manifestations of youth culture and new developments in youth welfare work. It provides fresh perspectives on key social changes and cultural continuities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 02 February 2021
Publisher: Liverpool University Press

Reframing Irish Youth in the Sixties delves into the evolving landscape of youth in the Republic of Ireland during a transformative era marked by global shifts in the perception of youth. It contends that the reimagining of youth as a social category played a pivotal role in driving social change. While emigration dominated the concerns of young people in the 1950s, in this period, they emerged as a focal point around which a new national project of economic growth was constructed. Transnational ideas and international models began to shape Irish attitudes toward education, welfare, and employment, while Irish youths actively engaged in a transnational youth culture that posed challenges to the established norms. This comprehensive book explores the perspectives held by government officials, media representatives, civil society organizations, and religious bodies toward youth and young people, addressing emerging manifestations of youth culture and advancements in youth welfare work. By utilizing youth as a lens, this book adopts an innovative approach, offering a multi-faceted examination of the 1960s, shedding fresh light on significant social transformations and cultural continuities.

In the 1950s, emigration was the primary concern for young people in the Republic of Ireland. However, as the decade progressed, the focus shifted towards the potential of youth as drivers of economic growth. The reformulation of youth as a social category became a crucial element in this transformation. The government, media, civil society organizations, and religious bodies began to take notice of the needs and aspirations of young people, recognizing their potential to contribute to the nation's development.

During the 1960s, Ireland experienced a surge in international travel and cultural exchange, which further influenced the attitudes of young people. Young individuals were exposed to new ideas, perspectives, and experiences, which challenged their traditional beliefs and values. This led to the emergence of a vibrant and diverse youth culture that encompassed music, art, fashion, and politics.

The 1960s also saw significant developments in youth welfare work. The government established youth services, such as youth clubs and counseling centers, to provide support and guidance to young people. Civil society organizations also played a crucial role in advocating for youth rights and addressing social issues affecting young people.

Reframing Irish Youth in the Sixties provides a comprehensive analysis of the attitudes and policies towards youth in Ireland during this transformative period. It explores the ways in which young people were influenced by global trends and how they responded to them. The book also sheds light on the challenges and opportunities faced by young people in Ireland at the time, including the impact of the Civil Rights Movement, the rise of feminism, and the counterculture.

Overall, Reframing Irish Youth in the Sixties is a valuable contribution to the study of youth and social change in Ireland. It offers a fresh perspective on the 1960s, highlighting the role of youth as agents of change and the significance of their contributions to the nation's development. The book will be of interest to scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in understanding the history of youth in Ireland and the broader social context in which they operated.

Weight: 410g
Dimension: 154 x 233 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800859753