Adolescence in our Society

Unique Stage  Adolescence is a unique stage in a person’s life  Adolescents are caught between two worlds: no longer a child, but no longer an adult  Adolescence: The period between the normal onset of puberty and the beginning of adulthood  Puberty: The physical maturing that makes an individual capable of sexual reproduction.

Industrial Society  Adolescence is a phenomenon of the modern industrial society.  Not all parts of the world have the concept of adolescence  In America, adolescence usually runs from ages  However, puberty and acceptance into the adult world occur at different times for different people

Pre-Industrial Society  In pre-industrial societies young people go directly from childhood to adulthood  These children take part in a formal ceremony know as a ‘rite of passage.’  After the ceremony, they assume adult roles  Adolescence is an unknown concept.

Characteristic of Adolescence Five characteristics that generally apply to all adolescents.  Biological Growth & Development  Undefined Status  Increased Decision Making  Increased Pressures  Search for Self

Biological Growth & Development Puberty is universal, in that it is a biological development that happens to everyone During puberty individuals develop:  Growth spurts in height & weight  Changes in body proportions  Complexion problems, like acne  Sexual characteristics (pubic hairs, breasts, menstruation)

Undefined Status  The status of children and the status of adults is clear… but the status of adolescents is undefined  Some adults treat adolescents like children, whiles some treat them like adults  Often it is difficult for adolescents to determine their own place.  Ex: In many states you can marry (with parental consent) at 16, but you can’t vote until 18.

Increased Decision Making  Adolescents have more decision making decision  Some decisions are long- term and some short-term  They no longer need adults to make all their decisions for them

Search for Self  Adolescents are mature enough to think about themselves and what they want out of life  They create values and norms that guide their behavior  Adolescents prepare for future adult roles through anticipatory socialization  Anticipatory socialization: Involves learning the rights, obligations and expectations of a role to prepare for assuming that role in the future

Increased Pressure  Adolescents have more pressure from parents, peers, job related & to establish relationship  They have to learn to balance time between family, school, work and relationships

Teens & Dating  Dating: the meeting of people as a romantic engagement, most commonly found is societies that allow individuals to choose their own marriage partners  Courtship: expressed purpose is eventual marriage  Courtship is different from dating in that it is not casual and has a purpose (marriage)