The priority often given to the concept of youth subculture has been particularly problematic because it has tended to focus public debate on the minority of young people who participate in visible activities that appear to threaten established social norms. While the analysis of cultural dimensions of people's lives is an important aspect of sociological inquiry, concepts of youth culture and youth subculture have been of only limited value in advancing the social understanding of age in relation to other aspects of class and gender relations. These concepts have tended to highlight violent and sensational acts and obscure continuities that exist between young people and their older counterparts. Youth subcultures are examined in terms of economic trends, education, communication and information technologies, and family and social relations, with particular attention paid to violence directed at young women. The impact of economic and social changes on the period of transition from childhood to independent adulthood is discussed. 12 references and 1 photograph