Children, Youth and the City

More than half of the global and around eighty per cent of the western population grow up in cities. This text provides a vivid picture of children and youth in the city, how they make sense of it and how they appropriate it through their social actions.

Considering the causes and forms of social inequalities in relation to class, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, ability and geographical location, this book discusses specific issues such as poverty, homelessness and work. Each chapter draws on examples from both the developed and developing world, and throughout the chapters, the book:

contrasts experiences of growing up in the city

discusses how social inequalities, together with societal perceptions of childhood and youth, shape experiences of growing up in cities for different young people

examines how young people appropriate the city through social and cultural practices

considers contemporary movements towards the role of children and youths in planning processes. Children, Youth and the City argues that young people must be recognized as urban social agents in their own right. This informative book deals with complex theoretical arguments and relates key ideas to this topical subject in a clear and coherent manner. The text is enlivened throughout with global case studies, photographs, discussion questions, suggested reading and websites. It is an excellent resource for students of Human Geography, Urban Studies and Childhood Studies.