Introduction

Abstract

This book is about 24 young people whose stories illuminate the experiences of marginalized youth in post-industrial Britain. Drawing on data from a longitudinal ethnographic study of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET), the book charts their experiences, identities and aspirations over a period of more than two years, but also locates their trajectories within a broader discussion of the social and economic context which has shaped the lives of a generation often described as ‘lost’. A central part of the book consists of detailed case studies of six participants, which provide an insight into both the nature of the data and particular themes we want to emphasize.