Youth Identity Research Articles

Youth Transition, Culture and Identity in Timor-Leste

Over the years, young people in Timor-Leste have faced difficulties accessing employment, and youth violence continues to rise. This study examines how historical events and social changes have shaped youth behaviour in Timor-Leste. It also explores the cultural representation and identity of youth who lived through periods of social turmoil and political tension. Additionally, the study addresses social issues that impact the transition of today's youth. Practical measures to improve the well-being of today's youth are crucial, including encouraging job accessibility, developing relevant youth policies, and enhancing youth-related activities.

Formation of Civil Identity in the Educational Policy System in the Context of Transformation of the Political Space

The relevance lies in the institutionalization of education in the new subjects of the Russian Federation (DPR, LPR, Zaporizhia, Kherson regions, the Republic of Crimea, the federal city of Sevastopol), as well as the processes of re-socialization, adaptation to the socio-cultural, political, value-ideological realities of Russian society, which affects the construction of the civic identity of school youth. Understanding the processes of formation of civic identity in the educational policy system in the context of the transformation of the political space allows identifying the mechanisms of actualization and transformation of identity. Тhe experience of the post-Soviet states, as well as the processes taking place in Russia today, enables making interesting theoretical generalizations and practical recommendations.Aim and Tasks. Identification and systematization of practices, mechanisms and technologies for the formation of civil identity of schoolchildren in new subjects in the educational policy system of the Russian Federation, determination of existing problems and barriers, identification of models of civil identity formation in the context of comparing the experience of Russia and the EAEU countries.Methods. The study uses a focus group interview with senior and middle school students living in the new territories of the Russian Federation, an expert interview with representatives of institutional structures involved in the processes of political socialization and implementation of identity policy, as well as the analysis of secondary data reflecting the processes of formation of civil identity in the EAEU countries.Results. As a result, the key practices of forming the civil identity of schoolchildren in the new subjects of the Russian Federation are revealed and systematized, barriers and problems of implementing educational policy in the system of forming civil identity are identified. The authors propose recommendations for improving the model of formation of the identity of schoolchildren in the new subjects of the Russian Federation. The article shows the difference between the model of formation of Russian civil identity in the new regions and the models of formation of civil identity used in the EAEU countries.Conclusions. The study revealed the existing contradictions that arise in the process of adaptation to a new educational and value-ideological model, manifested in the assimilation of new social norms and educational standards; the difference in the level of political education and the degree of involvement in civic activity of young people was noted. It is necessary to search for effective practices and technologies that contribute to building a consistent model of civic identity formation in the basic education system of new subjects of the Russian Federation. The EAEU member states can use the practical experience of civil identity formation in the education system of new subjects of the Russian Federation to improve their own models of civil identity formation.

‘You're not supposed to be gay, you're black’: Analysing race and LGBTQ+ youth identity through an intersectional lens

AbstractIn this article, I build upon calls for an intersectional approach in sociocultural linguistic research – particularly in the context of language, gender and sexuality – which attends robustly to the question of race. Through the analysis of four moments of discourse between young LGBTQ+ people, I show how their queer positionality is informed and shaped by their experience as white or racialised youths. In doing so, I demonstrate the intra‐categorical nature of identity and the benefits of a ‘thick’ analytical approach which pays close attention to individual speakers’ positionalities. Furthermore, I argue for sociocultural linguistic research which honours the origins of intersectionality theory by accounting explicitly for the role of systemic racism and white privilege on speakers’ identity constructions.

Peran Patroli Perintis Presisi dalam Mencegah Terjadinya Tawuran di Wilayah Hukum Polda Metro Jaya

The phenomenon of brawls in the DKI Jakarta area is increasing due to environmental, economic, and population density factors in the region. The literature references that form the main basis of this research are situational crime prevention theory, iceberg theory, social conflict theory, youth identity theory, as well as the concepts of community policing, and precision inspector patrols. This research uses qualitative methods with data collection techniques of interviews and document studies. The results showed that the role of the Precision Inspector Patrol in preventing fighting in the jurisdiction of Polda Metro Jaya is to ensure that patrols and general guards can run smoothly, be responsible for each assignment, training, and supervision of patrol teams in other units, be the front guard to carry out various preventive and responsive efforts, conduct routine patrols, respond to reports from the public, and maintain the situation in the jurisdiction of Polda Metro Jaya to remain conducive and under control. Through this role, the strategies that can be carried out by the Metro Jaya Police Precision Inspector Patrol Team in preventing fighting crimes are preemptive, preventive, and repressive strategies that are investigative in nature. The community policing policy model in an effort to maximise the implementation of the Precision Pioneer Patrol to prevent horizontal conflicts in the Polda Metro Jaya jurisdiction can be realised through several management stages which include communication and synergy, cooperation, handling, and performance evaluation. Thanks to this, the Precision Pioneer Patrol has been able to reduce the number of horizontal conflicts that occur in the Polda Metro Jaya jurisdiction. The suggestions are for the Precision Pioneer Patrol Team to increase the frequency of patrols at night in the red and yellow zones, for future researchers to apply GIS as an early detection map of conflict-prone areas, and for cooperation partners to expand the scope of programme implementation P2TP2A Unit, PPA Unit, and FKDM to provide an understanding of the importance of Precision Pioneer Patrol in preventing horizontal conflicts.

What is my truth and who decides?: exploring viable social identity scripts and performances with latina/x artivists in an arts-based youth participatory action research troupe

This seven-month critical performance ethnographic study explores the lived experiences of Latina/x youth artivist-researchers. The data collected through participant observations, arts-based elicitation and semi-structured interviews, artifacts, and analytic memos reveal how Latina/x youth utilize artmaking to understand and construct a viable social identity. Their participation in an arts-based youth participatory action research (YPAR) project and intergenerational theatre ensemble we call Estrella Theatre (ET) company indicates how art and social justice-driven inquiry provokes reflection on the identity scripts and performances youth use in our daily lives. Findings reveal that Latina/x youth identity scripts and performances appear across personal, interpersonal, and social planes of identity where they experience identity clashes, artful identity development, new identities, and identity code-switching.

Arizona Mormon Youths’ Religious Socialization and 2020 Voting Choices

In Arizona, Mormonism has a historical presence as a conservative and globalized faith. Though the Mormon Church officially maintains political neutrality, it also encourages civic engagement. Through an analysis of interview data collected from 38 Mormon youth as part of the Arizona Youth Identity Project, this paper explores the enactment of political agency in reaction to complex socialization processes. Mormon youths’ voting choices in the 2020 election season were shaped by religious socialization and Mormonism as an “ethnoreligious” identity. While religious upbringing was important in political decision-making, our study found that most youth were politically unaffiliated and voted across party lines instead. Further, we analyze how intersectional identities such as gender, race, and sexual orientation contributed to this generation’s political values and voting outcomes, even creating external tensions with peers and older Mormon leadership. As Arizona Mormon youth participated in a historic election season, this study highlights the nuances of religious socialization and voting choices.

Unpacking Young Adults’ Voting Preferences: The Role of Neighborhood Trust

Compared to previous generations, young adults today report lower levels of trust in government, law enforcement, and their communities. This study investigates neighborhood factors influencing social trust among Arizona young adults during the lead-up to the 2020 presidential election. Through an analysis of online survey data for a sample of young adults ( N = 1,376) who participated in the Arizona Youth Identity Project, we explore how neighborhood diversity, population density, racial identity, and political affiliation are associated with social trust and voting preferences. We find that Arizona young adults’ trust in police and their neighbors varies by neighborhood diversity and racial identity, with residents of mostly White neighborhoods reporting higher levels of trust. Additionally, support for Trump is highest among young adults who expressed high trust in local police. This study underscores and begins to unpack the interplay between race, space, and trust in shaping political identities and preferences.

Commercialization of Hip-Hop Culture and the Evolution of Youth Consumption Patterns from Symbols of Rebellion to Fashion Trends

This paper explores the commercialization of hip-hop culture and its profound influence on fashion and youth consumption patterns. Originally a symbol of rebellion and a voice for marginalized communities, hip-hop has evolved into a mainstream cultural force, reshaping global fashion trends. The transition from underground streetwear to luxury fashion is analyzed through key moments in hip-hop’s history, including collaborations with major brands like Adidas, Nike, and Gucci. The rise of streetwear brands such as Supreme, Off-White, and Yeezy exemplifies how hip-hop’s commercial success has transformed it into a powerful influence on youth identity and social status. However, this commercialization presents a double-edged sword, raising concerns about the loss of authenticity and cultural roots. The paper examines how social media and digital platforms have amplified hip-hop’s reach and discusses the ongoing tension between its original rebellious spirit and its role as a commercial enterprise. The study also highlights the global impact of hip-hop on consumption behaviors, focusing on the rise of exclusive product drops and the commodification of streetwear.

“I’m Going to Vote for the First Time in My Life this Year”: Native American Political Engagement in the Trump Era

During the 2020 election, Arizona voted Democratic for the first time in decades and contributed to Joe Biden’s presidential win. Native Americans, predominantly young adults, turned out in record numbers and were credited as one of the key demographic groups that “flipped” Arizona blue. What drove young Native voters to engage during this election cycle? Using data from the Arizona Youth Identity Project, a multi-wave mixed-methods study, we analyzed interviews with 38 self-identified Native American participants ages 18–29 to understand the factors motivating their political engagement in the 2020 Presidential election. Findings reveal that young Native adults in Arizona were motivated by (1) targeted political organizing, outreach, and advocacy efforts, (2) increased positive attitudes toward voting, and (3) a desire for political and social change. These findings enhance our collective understanding of the motivations behind Native American voter engagement.

Этническая идентичность как фактор этнокультурной толерантности молодежи:научно-прикладной аспект

In the article the scientific and applied aspects of ethnic identity as a factor of ethnocultural tolerance of youthwere examined. Ethnic identity determines the peculiarities of human behavior in a multinational society, forms patterns of behavior, values and attitudes. Ethnic identity plays an important role in the formation of various social ties in society, the formation of groups on an ethnic basis. Defining oneself as a part of a large ethnic community becomes the basis of behavior and social actions. Thus, the study of the processes of ethnic identification and the factors of formation and manifestation of tolerance is actualized not only as a local event.The authorspresent the result of studying the issues of formation and development of ethnic identity and ethno-cultural tolerance through the study and discussion of scientific and theoretical studies of these processes in foreign and domestic sources. Against the background of the growth of globalization processes, increasing mobility, the relevance of the theoretical analysis of the processes of identity and ethno-cultural tolerance, the construction of analytical structures and the need forapplied research is growing. Trends in the modern development of scientific knowledge require confirmation of theoretical developments by practical research.Practical research on this topic allows us to identify the level of ethnocultural tolerance of young people. The study was conducted among the youth of the Karaganda region. As a result of the study, the pro-cesses that actually occuredin the youth environment werediagnosed, the peculiarities of ethnic identity, the influence of ethnic identity of youth on the practice of interethnic communication were revealed.

The Role of Graffiti as an Expression of Youth Identity

Graffiti art has drawn pros and cons from the public and is considered a Form of vandalism or crime because it damages public facilities. However, for graffiti artists or bombers, graffiti is a place to express themselves. Even though it received a lot of negative responses from the public, graffiti was able to survive and continue to exist. Based on this, the author wants to know the meaning behind the activities of the bombers who chose graffiti art as a medium of expression. The author uses qualitative research methods. The data collection techniques used in this article are interviews, observation, and documentation. The theory used is the theory of self-expression through the symbolic interaction approach by George Herbert Mead. The research results show that graffiti perpetrators or bombers choose graffiti as a medium for self-expression and self-existence. Graffiti allows bombers to display their work to the broader public. Keywords: Graffiti, Bombers, Self Expression

Consistency of Youth Identity Construction in Media Texts: Development and Adaptation of Actor-Network Theory for Empirical Media Research (Сase Study)

The formation of youth identity in communication is on the agenda of many areas of humanitarian knowledge. We analyzed communication within the framework of an educational media project, which resulted in the construction of the expected identity. In the course of the analysis, we used a conceptual model of communication that combines the stages of identity construction in interaction with the environment and the actions of actors from the standpoint of the methodology of actor-network theory. A three-dimensional model of communication is presented for the first time, where actors and actants change the communicative process by their affordances and resistance. The obtained results allow to delineate the necessary actions of human and non-human actors at each stage of communication and identity integration, giving the opportunity to justify a new theoretical direction in the study of the problems of identity construction through media communication. The methodology requires further testing, but there are already positive results. The tendency of actualization of urban identity of young people depending on the focus on interaction with the heritage of the city and according to the stages of communication, according to the conceptual model, has been established. The article is intended for specialists in mass communication and journalism, and will also be useful for those interested in the ontological turn in humanitarian knowledge, actor-network theory, discourse and media text analysis.

Young Adults in Turbulent Times: Findings from the Arizona Youth Identity Project

This special issue examines young adults’ beliefs, identities, and political priorities during a tumultuous political era. Each article uses different subsamples of the qualitative and quantitative data collected by the Arizona Youth Identity Project (AZYIP), an ongoing mixed-methods study since the 2020 presidential election. This introductory essay describes the broader goals of the project and AZYIP study design and highlights key themes that emerge across the studies in the special issue, including Arizona young adults’ critical awareness of social issues, commitment to active citizenship, and desire for systemic change.

“Not My Circus, Not My Monkeys:” Views of Monogamy and Non-Monogamy Among Arizona Youth

Norms and ideals of romantic relationships, from dating through to marriage, have undergone significant shifts in recent decades. Views of roles and expectations within relationships may have evolved toward less conventional forms of romantic unions, opening up the possibility of non-monogamous relationships. Despite these potential shifts, the U.S. context maintains a culture of mononormativity, where monogamy is considered the ideal, and for some the only, form of relationship. Drawing on 92 interviews with young Arizonans aged 21 to 32 from the Arizona Youth Identity Project, we explore views of and desire for monogamy in romantic relationships. We focus on two questions: (1) Do young adults uphold mononormative views? and (2) How are these views distinguished between personal preferences versus broader social expectations? We find that some young people uphold mononormativity for themselves and as a social institution, viewing non-monogamy as harmful or unnatural. Many others, however, see monogamy as their personal preference but accept non-monogamy for others, often without reservations. A small number of young adults express personal openness toward non-monogamy or explicit refusal of monogamy in their own lives. Collectively, these findings show that while there remains an enduring preference for monogamy in young people’s personal relationships, there is substantial acceptance and support for non-monogamy for others, suggesting that the hold of mononormativity may be loosened for young adults.

Beyond stigma: Clinician bias in contraceptive counseling to sexual and gender minority youth

ObjectivesSexual and gender minority (SGM) youth experience disparities in sexual and reproductive health; however, little is known about how clinicians engage in contraceptive counseling with this patient population. This study describes pediatric clinician patterns and biases in contraceptive counseling with SGM youth. Study DesignWe conducted 16 in-depth interviews with a convenience sample of clinicians who counsel adolescents on contraception. Participants were recruited and interviewed in-person at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference in October 2022. We used codebook thematic analysis. ResultsWhen discussing contraceptive counseling among SGM youth, three major themes emerged: (1) participants’ acceptance of SGM youth identities varied from support to suspicion and rejection; (2) participants’ conceptualizations of their SGM youth patients’ identities circumscribed the scope of the contraceptive care they provided; and (3) participants described using a universal approach to contraceptive counseling that disregarded the relevance of SGM youth identities. For transgender patients, many clinicians focused on menstrual regulation and overlooked potential pregnancy risk. When discussing sexual minority patients, clinicians overemphasized pregnancy prevention and encouraged the use of highly effective contraceptive methods rather than taking a shared decision-making approach to contraceptive care. ConclusionMany clinicians demonstrated bias in approaches to contraceptive care provision to SGM youth patients by holding patients accountable to normative assumptions in transgender medicine and family planning. Training and support for adolescent-facing clinicians in bias recognition and comprehensive contraceptive care are necessary to provide person-centered reproductive health care to SGM youth.

Impact of Social Media on Cultural Identity in Urban Youth

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of social media on cultural identity in urban youth. Materials and Methods: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Social media platforms serve as significant spaces where urban youth engage, express, and negotiate their cultural identities. These platforms provide access to a diverse range of cultural expressions, facilitating the blending and reshaping of traditional and modern cultural elements. Studies have shown that social media influences urban youth by offering a sense of community and belonging, where they can connect with like-minded peers globally, thus fostering a globalized cultural perspective. However, this exposure also poses challenges, such as cultural homogenization and the potential loss of distinct local cultural identities. Additionally, the curated nature of social media content often promotes idealized cultural norms, influencing youth to conform to certain stereotypes and societal expectations. Despite these challenges, social media remains a powerful tool for cultural expression and identity formation, enabling urban youth to navigate and redefine their cultural landscapes in dynamic and innovative ways. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social identity theory, uses and gratifications theory and cultural convergence theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the impact of social media on cultural identity in urban youth. Practically, there is a pressing need for digital literacy programs that educate youth on critical engagement with social media. From a policy perspective, integrating cultural education into school curricula is essential.

Влияние социально-экономической дифференциации молодежи на ее политическую идентичность

This article examines the features of the political identity of provincial youth based on socio-economic differentiation. It is noted that the youth environment is not homogeneous in its socio-economic status and such differentiation in the context of a Special Military Operation, an unstable political situation, and social tension presupposes a different political identity. In turn, this leads to destructive activity of young people in relation to government officials, as well as to intergroup conflicts. This assumption formed the basis of the author’s analysis in considering the possible dependence of the ideological identification of young people on their place in the social structure of society. The scientific tasks to be solved by the analysis are the understanding and conceptualization of the political and ideological orientations of modern youth in the context of socio-economic differentiation. The working hypothesis was that the least financially protected groups of young people are the most radical in relation to the authorities. Therefore, the author conditionally distinguishes two groups of young people. The first group of young people are those who have a low standard of living, suffer from a lack of social elevators and social injustice, do not have the opportunity to get a good education and are ready to change their position in society during protest actions. The second group of young people is the generation that grew up as “qualified consumers”, who saw risks in reducing their consumption levels and are therefore ready for protest actions in order to defend their rights as consumers. However , the study of this problem revealed that modern youth are quite apolitical, this was shown by answers to the question about choosing an ideology whose values are closest to the respondent, as well as a rather low percentage of radically minded youth, regardless of financial situation, which does not significantly affect the political process. At the same time, in conditions of political instability and elite conflict, these groups of youth can become a destructive resource for political actors in the conflict.

Coping with ethnic-racial discrimination: Protective-reactive effects of shift-and-persist coping on internalizing symptoms among Black American adolescents.

Ethnic-racial discrimination has pervasive negative effects on Black youth's mental health; therefore, it is crucial to identify factors that provide resilience against discrimination. Two promising factors to help youth cope are ethnic-racial identity (how one feels about their ethnicity/race) and shift-and-persist coping (reappraising and accepting an uncontrollable stressor while remaining optimistic about the future). While there is existing scholarship on ethnic-racial identity among Black youth, this work has not yet assessed the impacts of shift-and-persist in this population. Using a sample of 155 Black youth (ages 13-17), the current study examined the interplay between discrimination, ethnic-racial identity, shift-and-persist coping, and internalizing symptoms. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were positively associated with discrimination and negatively associated with shift-and-persist. Significant interactions between discrimination and shift-and-persist predicting both depressive and anxiety symptoms revealed significant negative associations between shift-and-persist and internalizing symptoms at low and average, but not high discrimination levels. Effects are, thus, protective-reactive; the protective effects of shift-and-persist are not significant for youth facing high levels of discrimination. Ethnic-racial identity, surprisingly, was not significantly associated with either depressive or anxiety symptoms, nor did it interact with shift-and-persist as it has in studies of Latinx youth. By understanding the protective benefits of shift-and-persist and ethnic-racial identity in Black youth, during a pivotal period for mental health, we can provide this growing population with tools to lessen the maladaptive outcomes associated with discrimination.

“My queer identity and my family identity are two very separate things”: A mixed-methods study investigating the psychological implications of family identity and support for trans and gender diverse youth during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“My queer identity and my family identity are two very separate things”: A mixed-methods study investigating the psychological implications of family identity and support for trans and gender diverse youth during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Transnational Funds of Identity of Korean American and Migrant Youth

ABSTRACT Situated in the scholarship of funds of identity, I focus on three Korean American and migrant youth who were involved in a Korean Student Organization (pseudonym) at a largely white institution in the suburban Midwest of the United States. Specifically, the study investigates how Korean American and migrant youth who served as leaders and members of the organization have developed and expressed their funds of identity, which assist them in navigating and resisting white-centric and monolingual schooling experiences and in creating a variety of organization events and activities centering their home languages, ethnic traditions, and cultural practices. By pairing funds of identity with the notion of transnationalism, I also build on and extend the current discussion on funds of identity into what I term “transnational funds of identity” to shed light on Korean American and migrant youth’s border-crossing and transnational connections that foreground their identity formation as well as their engagement in the organization. The current study will provide more multifaceted and complex perspectives on Asian and Asian American students moving beyond the discourses of assimilation, stereotypification, and oppression, by centralizing Korean American and migrant students’ strengths, assets, and resistance through the lens of transnational funds of identity.