Techno parties, soccer riots, and breakdance: Actionistic orientations as a principle of adolescence

Abstract

What is the potential of a process-oriented or praxeological methodology as outlined in our other contribution to this volume (Chapter 7)? What kind of empirical results does such a methodology generate? What is the relevance and scope of object theories developed on the basis of reconstructive methods? In this chapter, we answer these questions by focussing on some well-confirmed research results that build up to a theory of adolescent actionism. We thereby draw on several systematically related large-scale studies based on over hundred cases (individual persons and groups) in total. We single out individual cases to exemplify the studies in order to vividly illustrate the research practice. Methodical comments are restricted to a minimum in favour of demonstrating the unfolding of the object theory-in this case: the theory of actionism-and its embedding into a comprehensive theory of adolescent development. Two process structures-a situational and a biographical one-will be central in developing the argument: actionism and the phases of adolescent development. © 2009 Springer-Verlag New York.