Teenagers and Dating Chapter 6, Section 2

Courtship and dating Interaction between men and women prior to the rise of dating is known as courtship. Its express purpose is marriage. The process is a continuum– it steadily progresses, and can stop at any time. Courtship has not always been this flexible. It was not as ‘casual’ as dating is today. Roles were strictly defined. Main purpose: FIND A SPOUSE!!!

The Emergence of Dating Dating emerged due to the following factors: Industrial Revolution—People moved from the farms to the cities where young adults could gain more economic freedom and establish their own homes. As a result, parental control over young adults and courtship decreased. Public Education—By the 1900s, most secondary school students attended coeducational public schools which increased interaction between boys and girls.

The Emergence of Dating Automobile—Young adults had more freedom of movement without their parents. Telephone—Young adults could more easily talk to members of the opposite sex. Equality of Women—More women entered the workforce and took on active community roles, which increased the interaction between single adult men and women.

Role of homogamy In dating, as in other institutions, homogamy plays a large role. Homogamy= tendency of individuals to marry people who have social characteristics similar to their own. Where can this *idea* of homogamy also be seen in society?

So… why date? Serves several important functions in adolescence. Serves as a form of entertainment Is a means of socialization that teaches people about the opposite sex and social situations Helps teach role behaviors and define self-concepts Fills psychological needs such as companionship Helps individuals attain status, as people are judged in part by whom they date Aids in spouse selection

Willard Waller’s Study In the 1920s/1930s, Willard Waller conducted a study of students on the campus of Penn State University. He found that for most of them, dating was mainly a form of entertainment and for social status. Most of the ‘dating’ was within the individuals who were in fraternities and sororities.

Dating Patterns: Traditional Traditional Dating Patters Man is responsible for arranging the date. Rules of conduct were well-defined, and there was a pressure to conform. In the early stages of dating, there were certain set activities in order to lessen stress. As it progressed to ‘steady dating’ there was generally a visible sign of commitment. - Summarize!!!

Dating patterns- contemporary Contemporary Dating Patterns Ever since the 1960s, dating patterns have not been as formalized. No set stages of dating. Greater equality and flexibility. Dating is based more on friendship and the group than on the couple. - Summarize!!!

Problems that Arise from Contemporary Dating Patterns Teenage Sexual Behavior Teenage Drug Use Teenage Suicide