Youth: Who's in- who's out?

Abstract

The concept "youth" lends itself to a wide array of interpretations and meanings . It is a diverse concept that is becoming increasingly used to describe, name or explain something or someone. As Osei-Hwedie, Mufune and Mwansa (1991 :64) noted, the term "youth" is one that is ambiguous, with different meanings in different contexts.

In South Africa there is ample evidence of an increase in the popular use of the term "youth". Phrases such as "the youth", "our youth", and "we, the youth" are often heard and seen both in everyday discourse and in the media. The concept is also becoming increasing central in political discourse. "The youth" are often the targets for political media ( or propaganda?) . Youth leagues are often strong support bases for individual politicians and for their respective parties. Policy
development is also beginning to show increasing evidence of the use of the term "youth". All this often taking place in a context where no clear understanding of the term itself is evident and where -few exact definitions are provided. However, the popularity of the terms would then, perhaps, suggest a universal understanding of the term and concept.

This article reports on a . study which responds to a number of the above points. Its aim was to seek some clarity , even if at a modest level, regarding the understanding of this term. It does not seek to provide a universal definition - this is probably not possible, but rather explores and presents a range 9f responses and it1 this way hopes to make a contribution to discussion towards a clearer understanding of the term.