The Adolescent in Society Chapter 6 Pgs

The Adolescent in Society Explain how adolescence developed as a distinct stage of the life cycle in the U.S. Identify the five general characteristics of adolescence. Summarize how dating developed as a form of social interaction. Describe the functions that dating fulfills. Identify some of the social problems facing contemporary teenagers. Trace the causes and consequences of these problems.

Adolescence in our Society Adolescents are caught between two worlds, they are no longer children, but not yet adult. Adolescence is defined as 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.

Adolescence in our Society Adolescence is a distinct life stage that was created in modern industrial society. No all societies have an adolescent stage. In American societies this stage generally occurs between the ages of 12 to 19. However puberty and acceptance into adulthood occur at different times for different people. When do you think adolescence ends and adulthood begins?

The Concept of Adolescence In many pre-industrial societies young people go directly from childhood to adulthood by taking part in what is known as puberty rites. These generally take place at age 13 or 14. –Common rites: demonstrations of strength or endurance, filing of teeth, tattooing or scarring of strength. –If these children pass the rites they immediately become adults and take on adult roles and responsibility.

The Concept of Adolescence In the U.S. Adolescence did not exist before the Civil War, children were simply seen as little adults. Three factors have been important in the development of adolescence in the U.S. Education Exclusion of youth from the workforce Development of the Juvenile Justice System

Education State laws make education mandatory up to the age of 16. College takes young people through to their early twenties. Education extends the period of adolescence because many students are dependent on others for financial support. While in school most students do not take on other roles of adulthood such as spouse, parent, or provider.

Exclusion of Youth from the Workforce In most states, child labor laws prevent people from working until the age of 16. When they do start working, most young people lack the training to compete for all but the most routine jobs. Working adolescents do not typically have full time jobs, most work part time while they are attending school.

Juvenile Justice System By distinguishing between juvenile and adult offenders, American society has created a separate legal status for young people. –Do you think adolescents should be tried as adults for major crimes such as murder, battery, or other crimes? –At what age are you old enough to pay for your crimes?

Characteristics of Adolescence Five characteristics generally apply to all adolescents. These five characteristics are biological growth and development, an undefined status, increased decision making, increased pressures and the search for self.

Biological Growth and Development Puberty is one aspect of adolescence that is found in every society because it is biological rather than cultural. The brain and the endocrine system-a group of glands that produce various hormones – control biological development. During early adolescence youth undergo growth in height, weight, and body proportions. Many often suffer complexion problems. These changes can cause anxiety and embarrassment, which is especially true when the growth is ahead or behind others of the same age.

Undefined Status Society’s expectations of children are clear as are those of adults. Expectations of adolescents are often unclear. Some adults treat you as children some treat you as adults. Example –In some states you can marry at 16 with parental consent but in all states you cannot vote until you are 18. –Adults are often critical of youth clothing, music, and behavior, while some adults adopt these trends.

Increased Decision Making Young children have most decisions made for them. When they reach adolescence they begin to make many of their own decisions. –Give examples There is no end to the decisions that must be made. Some of these decisions have no long term importance, while others such as choosing a career have far reaching consequences.

Increased Pressure Adolescents are faced with pressure from many sources. –Parents give adolescents rules to follow such as when to be home, whom they can see, and where they can go. –But parents also want children to develop friendships and have a social life. –Adolescents must find a balance between parental wishes and peer pressure.

Increased Pressure School –Students are expected to attend class, complete assignments, pass tests, participate in clubs, develop friendships and more. –What are some pressures teenagers face? –What factors might affect these pressures? Peer Pressure –The greatest pressure for teens. –Teenagers want to be accepted as part of the in crowd. –If their friends have cars teenagers are pressured to have a car of their own.

Peer Pressure Teenagers also face pressure with fads and fashion. Some teenagers face job related pressures –Making time for school, family, friends, work, and social activities. –Various teenagers roles such as daughter, employee, student, athlete, club member, and friend can often cause conflict.

The Search for Self Adolescents are mature enough to think about themselves and about what what they want out of life. Most teens can sort through their values and decide what things are really important to them. What is important to you? They establish personal norms that guide their behavior. They can set priorities for themselves. This is important. When people know who they are, what they want out of life, and which values serve them they are better prepared for adulthood.

The Search for Self Preparing for future roles is one aspect of finding oneself. Anticipatory Socialization: involves learning the rights, obligations, and expectations of a role to prepare for assuming that role in the future. –Playing house as a child is a form of anticipatory socialization. Other examples??

The Search for Self As an adolescent the time to adulthood is fast approaching. Adolescents do not live solely in an adolescent subculture. For example, economic status, family composition, and place of residence can affect life during adolescence. Also, race, ethnicity, religion and cultural heritage cam make a difference in the kinds of adolescent experiences a person has.

Section Review Write 1-2 paragraphs explaining how the experience of adolescence might differ from teenager to teenager because of individual circumstances. (around 10 sentences with examples to back up your argument) –Consider Economic Status Cultural background Family Structure Region of residence