Young people and the European city : age relations in Nottingham and Saint-Etienne, 1890-1940

Author(s)

    • Pomfret, David M.

Bibliographic Information

Young people and the European city : age relations in Nottingham and Saint-Etienne, 1890-1940

David M. Pomfret

(Historical urban studies / series editors, Richard Rodger and Jean-Luc Pinol)

Ashgate, c2004

Available at  / 3 libraries

Search this Book/Journal

Note

Includes bibliographical references (p. [295]-307) and index

Description and Table of Contents

Description

As European society became more urbanised in the 19th century and new approaches to city life were developed, educated observers began to articulate their fears about the impact that cities had on the young. No less alarming were instances of misbehaviour by young city dwellers, which commentators often sought to explain through reference to environmental conditions. Remedying the particular problems faced by young people in cities required influence over this group. As the city was seen to have undermined traditional links between older generations and the young, it was clear that by the late 19th century new methods were necessary to reach and to improve young city dwellers. By raising the problem of the reciprocal relationship between the young and their cities, Europeans made the meaning of urban living an integral component in the ongoing debate about the rising generation. This is the first study to address the broad age spectrum of pre-adulthood, rather than one or other of its constituent life-stages, allowing the interrelated development of its sub-categories to be highlighted. Situating the study within the specific comparative context of an Anglo-French study has enabled the clarity of analysis to be sharpened and claims for cultural similarities and differences to be grounded historically. Focusing on one English city, Nottingham, and one French city, Saint-Etienne, a comparative perspective has been provided addressing the reciprocal relationship between young people, adults and the urban environment. In comparing these two cities this study also engages with historians' claims for general, trans-national shifts in the cultural meanings of childhood, adolescence and youth and considered how these were worked out at local level.

Table of Contents

  • Nottingham and Saint-Etienne
  • 'From the Blind Alley to the Labour Exchange': employment and unemployment
  • 'Spaces of regeneration': voluntarism and leisure
  • 'Performing in public space': young people and urban festivals
  • 'Return to nature': healthy living and the modern city
  • 'Something horrible to witness': young people and urban politics.

by "Nielsen BookData"

Related Books: 1-1 of 1

Details

Page Top