Constructing identities: Young people's perspectives on life and career

Abstract

This article argues that identity construction is a dynamic process not able to be conceptually limited to a moment or experience in time. It is a process that occurs in numerous settings with multiple influences. In their everyday practices, young people are positioned within multiple discourses (for example as student, consumer and as flexible worker) (Wyn & Woodman, 2006), each of which offers possible 'subject positions'. From this, subjectivities are constructed that are different, diverse and possibly contradictory (Stokes and Wyn, Forthcoming). The importance of finding a balance between goals of personal development and wellbeing and the continuing demands of further education and em..