The sociology of youth, the future, and the holy grail

Abstract

By drawing on the concept of the sociological imagination, and by invoking a well-known myth, this article asks questions about the social purpose of youth research. It examines the types of dialogical research processes that will be important in the 21st century. Research is a storytelling art, and so in challenging times, researchers must claim this 'bard' role, locating and encouraging alternative storylines which have the potential to transform public awareness and inform policy. Youth research is well positioned to play a lead role in exploring the links between people's hopes and fears, their concerns of everyday life and the big picture questions about the future. Most importantly, re..