Originally published in 1990, Youth in Transition addresses the issue of large-scale policy intervention, related to problems of employment in Britain’s youth. The book reflects the changes within sociology from studying youth as self-contained instigators of change, to examining the role they have come to play as the target of official, rather than popular or media attention. Changes in youth experience are affecting family relations and dependence or creating homelessness, regional economic disparities, demographic changes and training and employment opportunities, present a new model of youth and re-define its status. The book brings together original work in the field of youth and youth policy in the ‘80s and ‘90s.

Claire Wallace is a lecturer in Applied Social Science at Lancaster University, having previously worked' at Polytechnic South West. Her previous publications include For Richer, For Poorer (Tavistock, 1987) and An Introduction to Sociology — Feminist Perspective (with P. Abbott) (Routledge, 1990). She is currently researching into young people in the South West as part of the 16-19 Initiative.

Malcolm Cross is Principal Research Fellow at the centre for Research in Ethnic Relations. He has published a number of articles on youth and youth training and he has edited Black Youth Futures (1987). He has recently completed a study funded by the Department of Employment on the Careers Service and entry to the labour market (with John Wrench).