C HAPTER 5 S ECTION 1 Understanding Adolescence

C ONCEPT OF ADOLESCENCE Caught between 2 worlds-no longer children, not yet adults Adolescence is defined as the period between the onset of puberty and the beginning of adulthood Puberty is the physical maturing that an individual capable of sexual reproduction This is a distinct life stage created during the modern industrial society and is NOT a universal phenomenon Boundaries of “adolescence” are blurred depending on the individual, however it is generally from ages 12 to 19

C ONCEPT OF ADOLESCENCE Three factors are important in the development of adolescence (in the U.S.): Education (mandated education until 16-18) Only role for children is as student Exclusion from the labor force Usually only part-time workers after 16 Juvenile justice system Separate legal status for young people, exemption from certain punishments, etc. This stage did not exist before the Civil War, when teenagers were merely treated as small adults

C HARACTERISTICS OF ADOLESCENCE Biological growth and development Adolescence is marked by the start of puberty Universal because it is biological, not cultural Onset of growth spurts, voice changes, complexion problems (30-45%), and development of sexual characteristics Undefined status Some treated as children, some treated as adults Expectations of behavior and responsibilities are vague Increased decision making Adolescents begin making more and more important decisions for themselves, rather than following decisions of adults Ex.- What courses to take?, What sports to participate in? Should I attend college? Which college? What major?

C HARACTERISTICS OF ADOLESCENCE Increased pressure Teens are often under pressure to maintain a balance between parental pressures and peer wishes School puts pressure in terms of grades, workload, testing, etc. Greatest pressure often comes from peers to behave, speak, dress a certain way in order to achieve acceptance Search for self Adolescents are mature enough to think about themselves, their values, and what they want out of life Can set priorities in their own lives Anticipatory socialization is learning the rights, obligations, and expectations of a role to prepare for future assumption of that role

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