Book Review: Youth Cultures in America

Abstract

Editors Bronner and Clark collected more than 160 entries in order to compile Youth Cultures in America. The entries in this two-volume set are organized alphabetically and typically range in length from two to six pages. Due to the alphabetical rather than conceptual arrangement, the front matter of each volume includes a “Topic Finder” to assist in navigating the set. In the “Introduction,” the editors provide details for the broad selection of entries that range in scope from very general (“animals”) to extremely specific (“furry fandom”). The editors explain that they “have presented an array of contemporary groups, expressive forms, locations, and social movements and issues that cast youth cultures into relief” (xvii), including entries related to: body and health, music and dance, sports and games, generational classifications, social movements, and problems of youth. Although the majority of entries are concerned with the shared interests of youth, the length of individual entries are not necessarily consistent with their significance to youth culture.