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 12-19

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.

1. Biological Growth & Development

2. Undefined Status

3. Increased Decision Making

4. Increased Pressures

5. 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: expressedpurpose is eventual marriage

Courtship is different from dating in that it is not casual and has a purpose (marriage)