Os circuitos dos jovens urbanos

Abstract

This article presents the results of a research on youth and their cultural and leisure practices, sociability networks and exchange relations (as well as those of conflict) in the context of Sao Paulo. After introducing and discussing the terms urban tribes and culture, I propose another term, juvenile circuits to deal with the theme. Instead of emphasizing the fact that they are youths, which would supposedly link a diversity of manifestations to a common denominator, the idea is to highlight their insertion in the scenario through an ethnography of the spaces where they circulate and meet, the occasions where there is conflict, and the partners with whom they establish exchange relationships. By adopting this approach, I intend to articulate two elements that are present in this dynamic: the behaviors and the spaces, institutions and equipment. The idea is to call the attention to (1) sociability and not to consumption and styles of expression linked to the generational issue, (2) to the permanence and regularity rather than fragmentation and nomadism.