1. Politically Militant Youth

2. Introduction
Youth Culture Theory
In his book, Comparative Youth Culture, Michael
Brake splits the study of youth into four main areas.
• Respectable Youth
• Delinquent Youth
• Cultural Rebels
• Politically Militant Youths
The area we will be focusing on is Politically Militant
Youths.

3. Starter
Can you identify a politically militant youth?
A. B.
C. D.

4. Now you have some understanding, can you
define a politically militant youth?

5. What is a politically militant youth?
Our definition:
A politically militant youth is a young person who is
involved in protests about political issues. They are very
opinionated and fight for their beliefs. These can
include ethnic groups, civil-rights movements, issue-
orientated (anti-war), environmental groups and
student groups.

6. Politically militant youths in TV Dramas
Can you think
of any examples
of characters or
storylines?

7. Politically Militant Youths in TV Dramas
One example is the comedy/drama Fresh Meat on
Channel 4. The whole plot revolves around the lives six
university students who live together. As they are
students, the programme looks at the subject of
student riots and protest about the cuts to education
costs. These people are examples of politically militant
youths.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQ7YVrqt
L7c

8. Task
In pairs or threes, come up with the perfect politically
militant youth character in a TV Drama.
Things to think about:
• Interests/likes and dislikes
• Their storyline in the TV drama (Why would they be
protesting? What do they believe in?)
• Their socio-economic group
As well as anything else you think is important to know
about this character, be creative. You have 2-3 minutes.
The best one will win a prize!

9. Summary
How confident do you think you are in your
understanding of politically militant youths?