New Books in Critical Theory Sarah Kenny, "Growing Up and Going Out: Youth Culture, Commerce, and Leisure Space in Post-War Britain" (Manchester UP, 2025)
Jun 29, 2025
Sarah Kenny, a Lecturer in Modern History at the University of Birmingham and author, dives into the unique landscape of youth culture in post-war Britain. She illuminates how Sheffield, often overlooked, became a vibrant site for youth identities. The discussion highlights the interplay between commerce and leisure, revealing how shifting spaces shaped young people's experiences. Kenny also explores moral panics around youth leisure, and the changing dynamics of gender in pubs, shedding light on social environments that influenced identities.
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Importance of Studying Overlooked Cities
- Studying youth culture in overlooked cities like Sheffield reveals new insights beyond iconic metropolitan narratives.
- This approach highlights the interplay of urban change, popular culture, and youth identity distinct from major cultural centers.
Space Shapes Youth Experience
- Youth experience is shaped by the physical spaces they occupy, not just by their activities.
- Understanding young people’s urban movement reveals how leisure spaces influence identity and social interaction.
Youth as a Transitional Phase
- Youth is a fluid concept centered on the transition from childhood to adulthood, marked by distinct leisure behaviors.
- Nighttime venues like pubs and clubs serve as key spaces for this transitional identity formation despite legal age restrictions.
