Identity narratives and subjective construction: Theoretical considerations and empirical analysis of identification processes among youngsters from popular classes

Abstract

This article aims at clarifying the connections between identity processes and narrative constructions as analyzed in the recent sociological literature. More specifically, the identity development among youth will be discussed, especially concerning its closure or not with the advent of adulthood and its linkages with gender characteristics. After a brief theoretical reflection, empirical findings on youth and identity will be presented. The focus is on the constructions of being a woman as well as representations of gender and sexuality.