Freaks, Geeks, and Cool Kids
Teenagers in an Era of Consumerism, Standardized Tests, and Social Media, 2nd Edition
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The familiar high school stereotypes of freaks, geeks, and cool kids are well entrenched, but is there more to contemporary youth culture in today’s education system? And if so, how can we best understand these changes in relation to consumerism, rigorous testing, and technology? In this highly anticipated book, award-winning author Murray Milner tackles these questions and tries to understand why teenagers behave the way they do. The first edition drew upon two years of intensive fieldwork in one high school and 300 written interviews about high schools across the country, where he argued that consumer culture greatly impacts the way our youth relate to one another and understand themselves and society. Fifteen years later, Milner now expands on that concept with a new year of original fieldwork, bringing fresh ideas to the debate. He has uncovered a number of fascinating revelations – namely, a shift away from consumerism and towards the cultural capital of information in a time of social media and standardized tests. With chapters such as “Fitting In, Standing Out, and Keeping Up” and “Steering Clear, Hanging Out, and Hooking Up” this book provides deep insights into 21st century youth culture. Milner examines in detail how individuality, status and hierarchy work to constitute the modern teenager. Freaks, Geeks, and Cool Kids will be essential reading for parents, educators, and anybody who cares about the next generation. |
About the Author
Murray Milner, Jr. is Emeritus Professor of Sociology and Senior Fellow at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture, University of Virginia.
Reviews
‘This is the best book ever written on American schools and teenagers. With thorough research across many kinds of schools, Milner spells out a general theory that explains why high school kids create their own caste system.’— Randall Collins, University of Pennsylvania
‘Milner's work takes teenagers seriously as social actors. Rather than hand-wringing about "what's wrong with kids today," Freaks, Geeks, and Cool Kids offers discerning, theoretical analysis that reveals the broader social processes that animate contemporary teen culture. With the second edition, Milner brings his keen insight to understanding the new status pressures faced by teens growing up in an era of ubiquitous social media and high stakes testing.’— Markella Rutherford, Wellesley College
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