Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses the ways in which youth try to organize themselves through conventional and non-conventional patterns of political participation. It shows how comparing and contrasting two different generations of young people may be an effective way of investigating both changes in certain contexts and generational changes. The book deals with the ‘social investment challenge’, specifically looking at policies affecting young Italians and their impact. The underlying principle is the principle that sustainable economic growth can be achieved through social and educational policies aimed at investing in the younger generations. The book examines the kinds of coping strategies that they employ, which are highly complex – thus suggesting high competences and reflexivity. It also examines the concepts of individualization and uncertainty in a context of social acceleration.