This short volume examines youth intimacies in Great Britain in the context of digital mediation, which has become the primary means through which teenagers and young people now enter affective, romantic and sexual relationships. It highlights the growing influence of the manosphere in fostering harmful gender norms and toxic relationships, as well as the moral panic generated by the adult gaze that frames youth intimacies as a social problem. The volume argues that youth intimacies need to be better understood through a focus on the quality of young people's intimate lives. It brings together leading scholars in this field to discuss how safe and strong relational intimacies can be formed in theory and in practice. The contributions examine the role played by institutional and cultural factors in shaping youth intimacies, including creative projects around relationships and sex education in schools and universities as well as initiatives led by youth practitioners supporting young people through key life-course transitions. These supportive elements help shape expressions of consent, respect, love, togetherness and emotional well-being.
Corinne Nativel
sexual intimacy young parenthood romantic relationships affective relationships sex education toxic intimacies