Youth Culture and Academic Performance: The Creation of Counter-Cultures (From Youth Subcultures: Theory, History and the Australian Experience, P 157-162, 1993, Rob White, ed. -- See NCJ-162536)

• NCJ Number: 162559
• Author(s): J Walker
• Date Published: 1993
• Length: 6 pages
• Sale Source: National Clearinghouse for Youth Studies
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: Australia

Annotation

Social pressures exerted in many Australian youth subcultures are of concern since they can influence young people to accept negative and destructive peer values and behaviors as normal and can divert young people from leading balanced lives and aspiring to high achievements.

Abstract

In a school environment influenced by negative peer pressures, young people may find it hard to establish their own goals and aspirations and become confident about their future. In response to the needs of young people, a project known as "Operation A Australia" has been developed to create an alternative group environment and a positive subculture in which young people can learn how to resist social pressures. The project focuses on the importance of each individual accepting responsibility, becoming an effective decisionmaker, helping others, and receiving the help of others. The project works by creating group unity through explicit and overt agreements and thereby creates a deliberately constructed culture. Groups are established to help young people achieve confidence and competence in decisionmaking and excellence in achieving personal goals and to provide guidance on how to lead balanced lives. Key to the project is the quality of adult leadership. 9 references and 1 photograph