Representation of youth Lesson 1

1. LO: To define collective identity and
identify its relation to the varying
representations of youth.

2. List 10 adjectives
that you feel best
describe how
‘youths’ are
considered by the
general British
public.

3.  Identity can be argued to be something
unique to each of us that we assume is more
or less consistent (and hence the same) over
time…our identity is something we uniquely
possess: it is what distinguishes us from
others.
David Buckingham 2008 argues identity is
complicated/ complex.

4. Collective identity: the individuals sense of
belonging to a group who share a set of
traditions and values, (part of personal
identity).
Representation: any consideration of a
‘collective identity’ must take into account the
role that representation plays within the of
the construction of a media text.

5.  Not just representations from
mainstream media but also
through self construction by users
of media.
 “ A focus on Identity requires us to
pay closer attention to the ways in
which media and technologies are
used in everyday life and their
consequences for social groups”
David Buckingham
 Communities formed from shared
identity. E.g.
age/gender/ethnicity/political ideas
etc.

6. List as many items as you
can which you think
represent young people.
This list can include
household items, locations,
food, sports, transport and
celebrities.

7. Think about why you choose these
items.
Now circle those who you think
contribute to your identity!

8. Identity is now consciously constructed, and the
media provides some of the tools to help us
construct our identities.
The media contains a huge number of messages
about identity and acceptable lifestyles. At the
same time the public have their own diverse set of
feelings.
The media and media consumers are engaged in a
dialogue in which neither overpowers the other.

9. Identity is now consciously constructed, and the
media provides some of the tools to help us
construct our identities.
The media contains a huge number of messages
about identity and acceptable lifestyles. At the
same time the public have their own diverse set of
feelings.
The media and media consumers are engaged in a
dialogue in which neither overpowers the other.
Simplify the theory to explain to a Year 7
pupil.
Extension: Apply the theory to any media
text.

10. There is a social structure which shapes our lives
(traditions, institutions, moral codes, established ways of
doing things), but it relies on individuals following these
structures.
When they act differently the social structure can change.
Structuration is the process in which human agency and
social structure are in a constant relationship ± the social
structure is reproduced by the repetition of acts by
individual people (and can therefore change).

11. There is a social structure which shapes our lives
(traditions, institutions, moral codes, established ways of
doing things), but it relies on individuals following these
structures.
When they act differently the social structure can change.
Structuration is the process in which human agency and
social structure are in a constant relationship ± the social
structure is reproduced by the repetition of acts by
individual people (and can therefore change).
Simplify the theory to explain to a Year 7
pupil.
Extension: Apply the theory to any media
text.

12. Task: Choosing one of the
theories apply it to Top
Boy explaining its
relevance in detail.
 Identity is now consciously constructed, and the
media provides some of the tools to help us construct
our identities.
 The media contains a huge number of messages
about identity and acceptable lifestyles. At the same
time the public have their own diverse set of feelings.
 The media and media consumers are engaged in a
dialogue in which neither overpowers the other.
 There is a social structure which shapes our lives
(traditions, institutions, moral codes, established
ways of doing things), but it relies on individuals
following these structures.
 When they act differently the social structure can
change. Structuration is the process in which
human agency and social structure are in a
constant relationship ± the social structure is

13. Research the following films and
answer the following questions:
Is the representation of youth a
positive or a negative one?
What evidence do you have to
support your decision?
Is the representation an honest
when considering the time/social
context in which the representation
is based?
Texts
Rebel without a Clause
Quadrophenia
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Kids
Fish Tank
Extension
Choose two of your own
texts to discuss.

14. Can you become a theorist? Create your
own theory based on how the Media
influences young people.
You must have at least one piece of
evidence to support your theory.