by Yuya Kiuchi (Editor), Francisco A. Villarruel (Editor)
Young people have long used popular culture to explore, define and express who they are. For many, popular culture is also a tool of survival. Gone are the days when proscriptive programs were needed for young people to transition to adulthood. Today, youth culture is communicated through information technology, particularly social media, enabling young people to engage the world. Yet, as always, youth culture is often a cause of concern for adults and policy makers. This collection of new essays focuses on modern youth popular culture. There are such topics as social justice and youth mobilization in Ferguson, Missouri, social media and sexual literacy among LGBT youth, and youth culture's influence on children's sports.
Author Biography
Yuya Kiuchi is an assistant professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Michigan State University. His research interests include popular culture, youth culture, African American Studies, technology, and sexuality. Francisco A. Villarruel is a University Outreach and Engagement senior fellow and a professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Michigan State University. He is involved in policy reform related to Latino youth in U.S. juvenile justice systems.