The social contract between young people and society

Book abstract: This text brings together different perspectives and differing, even opposing views on the future of the Youth Service, and sets them alongside the research and opinions of academics and the practice-based reflections of youthworkers and officers. Discussion is included on such topics as: is a rising professionalism the key to a new post-Albemarle struggle?; will critical compassion or political correctness best enable young people to understand and respect their own and others' identities?; how far do the value systems of each and every youth worker impinge on the choices open to the young people with whom they work?; are we developing youth work that is centred on young people, helping them to challenge and change the structures of society?; or are we meeting the agenda of funding agencies with vested interests; and where is the legitimacy in expecting social conformity and responsibility in the young, if so few opportunities exist even to offer this choice?