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Urban Space and Adolescents: A Literature Review

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  • Sara Brecz-Kupiec

Abstract

Purpose: The topic of urban spaces used by adolescents during their leisure time remains relatively underrepresented in the field of socio-economic geography. Researchers often approach this age group with caution due to the complex developmental dynamics of adolescence, a phase marked by identity formation and expressions of rebellion. These factors present numerous challenges to research design, such as issues of responsiveness, data reliability, and procedural disruptions. Given this context, the aim of the article is to present the results of a systematic literature review that maps social science researchers’ interests at the intersection of urban space, adolescence, and leisure time. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study involved the analysis of academic publications indexed in the international Scopus and Web of Science databases, using the keywords: youth, space, and leisure. The focus was narrowed to social science literature, and only those publications whose abstracts incorporated all three keywords were selected. The gathered data were visualized both in tabular PRISMA form and through bibliometric mapping using the VOSviewer software. Findings: The findings reveal limited scholarly attention among geographers to the subject of adolescents in urban environments—a gap the author identifies as a research niche within the discipline. Practical Implications: This review highlights the need for more spatially grounded research on youth experiences in urban environments. The findings suggest that urban planners, educators, and social scientists should adopt interdisciplinary and youth-inclusive approaches when designing public spaces and urban policies. Greater attention to adolescent perspectives can lead to more inclusive, equitable, and developmentally supportive urban environments. Originality/Value: The study offers a critical reflection on disciplinary gaps and provides a foundation for future research in urban geography that centers youth as legitimate social and spatial actors.

Suggested Citation

  • Sara Brecz-Kupiec, 2025. "Urban Space and Adolescents: A Literature Review," European Research Studies Journal, European Research Studies Journal, vol. 0(2), pages 451-461.
    • Handle: RePEc:ers:journl:v:xxviii:y:2025:i:2:p:451-461
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Seeland, Klaus & Dübendorfer, Sabine & Hansmann, Ralf, 2009. "Making friends in Zurich's urban forests and parks: The role of public green space for social inclusion of youths from different cultures," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 11(1), pages 10-17, January.
    2. Nees Jan Eck & Ludo Waltman, 2010. "Software survey: VOSviewer, a computer program for bibliometric mapping," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 84(2), pages 523-538, August.
    3. Renáta Aradi & Kine Halvorsen Thorén & Ingunn Fjørtoft, 2016. "The urban landscape as affordance for adolescents’ everyday physical activity," Landscape Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 41(5), pages 569-584, July.
    4. Cain, Kelli L. & Millstein, Rachel A. & Sallis, James F. & Conway, Terry L. & Gavand, Kavita A. & Frank, Lawrence D. & Saelens, Brian E. & Geremia, Carrie M. & Chapman, James & Adams, Marc A. & Glanz,, 2014. "Contribution of streetscape audits to explanation of physical activity in four age groups based on the Microscale Audit of Pedestrian Streetscapes (MAPS)," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 116(C), pages 82-92.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • R23 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - Regional Migration; Regional Labor Markets; Population
    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth

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