Is adulthood in crisis? Why are so many people rejecting the traditional path of marriage, mortgage and a fast-track career? Are we facing an immaturity epidemic?
In this provocative, humorous and persuasive book, Kate Crawford takes a close look at the conventional packaging of adulthood. The idealised picture of the wedding ring, picket fence and career-for-life no longer reflects how a growing number of Australians live.
Commentators wring their hands over commitment-phobic, apolitical "adultescents" permanently plugged into iPods, and decry the loss of values. But they're missing the larger picture. The way we work, find homes, form families and engage in politics and culture has radically transformed. Crawford argues that it's time the debates on social values recognised the variety of ways that we choose to live.
Equal parts media critique and manifesto, Adult Themes is an inspiring call to arms for those who know that being "adult" goes beyond home renovation, getting hitched and a gold watch on retirement. This book explodes the generational stereotypes and myths of perpetual adolescence to reveal the economic and cultural shifts that affect us all. Kate Crawford is a commentator, journalist and academic. She has worked extensively as a journalist in the US and Australia (including The Sydney Morning Herald and New York-based The 451), is the presenter of ABC-TV series SET (2006) and is a regular cultural commentator for ABC radio. She is a lecturer in the Media and Communications Department at the University of Sydney. She's also an internationally recognised electronic musician, and is known for her work in groups such as Biftek and Clone.
