Teenagers and Society PDF

Build on What You Know Most values and social norms are learned during the early childhood years. In this chapter, you will explore adolescence, the life stage between childhood and adulthood. You will look at the development of the American concept of adolescence and review the characteristics of a...

Build on What You Know Most values and social norms are learned during the early childhood years. In this chapter, you will explore adolescence, the life stage between childhood and adulthood. You will look at the development of the American concept of adolescence and review the characteristics of adolescence, adolescent dating practices, and the serious challenges that face teenagers today. A reader of a teenage magazine asked the question, "Are there some areas of the body that shouldn't be pierced?" The columnist for the teenage magazine might respond by directing teenagers to scientific reports and opinions about the effects of body piercing. The columnist might point to the risks of infection and allergic reactions that can lead to serious health issues. Piercing parts of the body such as the tongue or nose can lead to the development of scars called keloids in the pierced area. The columnist might suggest to teenagers that the ear lobes are the safest part of the body to pierce. Responding to the special problems of adolescents is an important feature of American society. For example, the magazine Seventeen has a paid circulation of about 2.4 million copies and reaches 87 percent of all American female teenagers. Because adolescence is so much a part of American culture, it may surprise you that adolescence is not a universal phenomenon. As a distinct stage of the life cycle, adolescence is an invention of modern industrial society. In some parts of the world, it simply does not exist. Whots Your Opinion? Read the following statements about sociology. Do you think they are true or false? You will/earn whether each statement is true or false as you read the chapter. All societies recognize adolescence as a distinct stage in the life cycle. Dating patterns in the United States have remained unchanged for more than 100 years. Social forces have no effect on such issues as teenage sexual activity, teenage drug use, and teenage suicide. The Concept of Adolescence ADOLESCENCE IN OUR SOCIETY Read to Discover 1. How did adolescence develop as a distinct stage of the life cycle in the United States? 2. What are the five general characteristics of adolescence? Define adolescence, puberty, anticipatory socialization dolescence is a unique stage in a person's life. Adolescents are caught between two worlds. They are no longer children, yet they are not adults in the eyes of society Adolescence can be defined as the period between the normal onset of puberty and the beginning of adulthood. Puberty is the physical maturing that makes an individual capable of sexual reproduction. Adolescence as a distinct life stage is the creation of modem industrial society It is not a universal phenomenon. Adolescence simply does not exist as a concept in many parts of the world. However, puberty occurs in all human societies. In American society, adolescence is generally considered to run from the ages of 12 to 19. However, puberty and acceptance into the adult world occur at different times fo r different people. Therefore, the beginning and end dates of adolecence are somewhat blurred. A Tattooing is an important part of puberty rites for some groups of people whose society does not have a distinct period of adolescence. Adolescence is not universal. In many preindustrial societies, young people go directly from childhood to adulthood once they have taken part in formal ceremonies known as puberty rites. These rites, which usually take place around age 13 or 14, differ from society to society Common rites include demonstrations of strength or endurance, filing of the teeth, and tattooing or scarring of the skin. Young people who successfully complete these puberty rites immediately become accepted members of adult society Even though they are in their early teenage years, they can take on all adult roles. For these people, adolescence is an unknown concept. Adolescence as a life stage is a relatively recent phenomenon. In the United States, this stage did not exist prior to the Civil War. Before that time, young people were treated simply as small adults. The adolescent experience has become an acknowledged stage of development in industrialized countries in only the past century Three factors have been particularly important in the development of adolescence as a distinct life stage in the United States. The first factor is education. State laws make education mandatory up to the age of 16, and most young people stay in school until they are 18. Those who attend college usually are in their early 20s when they graduate. For those people who pursue graduate degrees, educational requirements lengthen the time spent in school even more. Education extends the period of adolescence because many students are dependent on others for their financial support. While in school, INTERPRETING VISUALS During the 1900s, after years of pol itical pressu re, states began to pass laws banning child labor. How do you think labor like this prevented these children from having an adolescent period of life? most students do not take on the other roles of adulthood, such as spouse, parent, and provider. The second factor that distinguishes young people as a separate group is the exclusion of youth from the labor force. In most states, child-labor laws prevent people from working until age 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 continuing to go to school. The third important factor in the rise of adolescence as a distinct stage of the life cycle is the development of the juvenile-justice system. By distinguishing between juvenile and adult offenders, American society has created a separate legal status for young people. Characteristics of Adolescence The experiences of adolescence are not the same for everyone. However, 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. The Adolescent in Society 121 THE BLURRING OF ADOLESCENCE n recent years, a striking change has taken place in the images and roles of children and adults in industrialized countries. Children have become more adult-like, and adults have taken on more of the characteristics of children. It is becoming increasingly difficult to tell where one life stage ends and the next begins. This blurring of differences has occurred most notably in the areas of dress, behavior, and language. I Adults or Children? Until relatively recently, one of the best indicators of age and role differences was clothing. Young people dressed in jeans and T-shirts. Adults wore suits, designer clothes, and other sophisticated fashions. Today, many adults-dressed in shorts, sneakers, and cartoon-character T-shirts-look like big kids. Some children, on the other hand, look like miniature adults in their three-piece suits and designer dresses. And people of all ages-from infants to grandparents-wear blue jeans. Many child and adult behaviors are becoming similar as well. For example, the gestures, ways of sitting, and general posture of both groups are remarkably alike. Adults and children also play many of the same sports and even share an interest in certain toys. Video and computer games are popular with all ages. Unfortunately, many adults and children also share some of the same difficulties. In the last few years, alcoholism and suicide-once considered adult problems-have become much more common among young people. Language has also spread across the generation gap. Adults have adopted many of the slang expressions and special vocabularies commonly used by adolescents. Even more significantly, children and adolescents now freely and openly discuss topics once discussed only by adults. Television and the Internet Television and the Internet have played major roles in the creation of adult-like children. Prior to the electronic age, children received much of their One aspect of the phenomenon of the blurring of adolescence is the growing numbers of adults participating in youth-focused activities. social information from the books that they read. These books contained information appropriate to a child's level of understanding. Adult information was contained in adult books, which children did not read. Today many children have access to adult information through television and the Internet. They are exposed to adult situations and adult views of life. Many social scientists believe that the removal of the barriers between child information and adult information has thrust children prematurely into the adult world. Teenagers may be the biggest losers in this merging of adolescence and adulthood. Many childhood specialists fear that the shortening or blurring of adolescence may force young people to grow up too quickly. Social scientists argue that by rushing through adolescence, young people are missing many of the special features that the period has to offer. The adult-like child is denied the opportunity to experiment and to try on new roles without being judged by adult standards. According to child psychologist David Elkind, one of the results of hurrying through childhood is increased stress during adolescence and young adulthood. Biological Growth and Development Puberty is the one aspect of adolescence that is found in every society Puberty is universal because it is biological rather than cultural in origin. The brain and the endocrine system-a group of glands that produce various hormones-control biological development. During early adolescence, individuals often undergo spurts of growth in height and weight as well as changes in body proportions. In addition, they experience the development of primary and secondary sexual characteristics. Many also suffer complexion problems. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), almost all young people develop some form of acne. More than 40 percent of adolescents have cases of acne so severe that they seek medical advice and treatment. These various biological changes sometimes cause anxiety or embarrassment, which is particularly true when the individual is physically way ahead or way behind others of the same age. INTERPRETING VISUALS During adolescence, teenagers not only develop biologically, but also experience increased decision-making oportunities. How is deciding what to wear and what to spend money on an important part of adolescence? The Adolescent in Society 123 Undefined Status Our society's expectations for children are quite clear. The expectations for adults are also known. The adolescent expectations are often vague, however. While some adults treat adolescents as children, others treat them as adults. It is often difficult for adolescents to determine their status. For example, many U.S. states allow young people to marry-with parental consent-at age 16. However, they must be 18 before they can legally vote. Different people have different attitudes about adolescents. Some people are youth-oriented and have adopted some of the values and styles of dress that are popular among teenagers. On the other hand, adults are often critical of the way some adolescents dress, the music they listen to, and the way they behave. Increased Decision Making Young children have most of their decisions made for them by adults. When children reach adolescence, they must make many of their own decisions. What courses should they take in school? What sports should they participate in? What school clubs should they join? Should they consider a college education? What career should they follow? There seems to be no end to the decisions that must be made. Some of these decisions are of little long-term importance. Other decisions, such as choosinga career, have far-reaching consequences. Increased Pressure Adolescents are faced with pressure from many sources. For example, parents generally make rules on what time their children must be home, whom they can see, and where they can go. Yet parents also want their children to have an active social life and to develop strong friendships. Thus, young people are under pressure to strike a balance between parental wishes and peer pressures. Adolescents also have pressures placed on them in school. They are required to attend classes, complete assignments, pass tests, and participate in activities. Perhaps the greatest pressures come from peers. Teenagers want to be accepted by their peers and to be a part of the "in" group. If their friends have cars, most teenagers will feel some pressure to have cars of their own. Teenagers are also pressured to go along with the latest fads and fashions. Each year, billions of dollars are spent designing and marketing clothes, cosmetics, Participation in Extracurricular Activities by Categories of 12th Graders (in percent) Extracurricular Activity White African American Hispanic Asian American American Indian Team sport (interscholastic) 30.8 32.3 25.8 28.3 30.4 Individual sport (interscholastic) 20.9 21.2 14.9 21.6 20.7 7.4 10.6 6.7 5.1 11.9 School band/orchestra 19.6 24.4 16.9 17.7 16.8 School play/musical 16.1 15.9 10.6 13.7 14.0 Student government 15.4 16.7 14.7 14.6 14.3 Honor Society 19.6 14.0 12.5 27.2 13.6 Yearbook/newspaper 19.7 14.3 16.8 18.9 21.2 Service clubs 13.6 13.6 14.4 19.3 11.6 Academic clubs 25.8 20.7 22.6 32.3 17.7 Hobby clubs 7.4 6.6 9.1 11.3 10.8 FTA/FHA/FFA* 17.6 22.5 16.4 8.8 22.1 Cheerleading (*Future Teachers of America, Future Homemakers of America, and Future Farmers of America) Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics INTERPRETING TABLES Extracurricular activities are an important part of the socialization process for teenagers in America. How much greater of a percent of American Indians partldpated In athletic activities than in academic clubs? 124 Chapter 6 INTERPRETING VISUALS Teenagers often face many challenges when dealing with the many roles they have to play and when developing a sense of self. How can communicating with parents help teenagers deal with these challenges? sports equipment, magazines, movies, and compact discs to teenage consumers. In most cases, the advertisements for these products attempt to utilize peer pressure. Adolescents also face pressure to establish relationships. Acceptance and popularity are central concerns. What does it take to be popular? How can a meaningful relationship be established? What should be done to maintain it? Such questions are of great importance to adolescents. Some adolescents also face job-related pressures. The first pressure is that of finding a part-time or summer job. Then there is the pressure of having enough time for family life, a job, schoolwork, and social activities. Adolescents often find themselves in situations where their various roles of son or daughter, employee, student, athlete, club member, and friend conflict with one another. The Search for Self Adolescents are mature enough to think about themselves and about what they want out of life. Most teens can sort through their values The Adolescent in Society 125 and decide what things are really important to them. They can establish personal norms that will guide their behavior. They can also set priorities for their lives. Such abilities are extremely important. When people know who they are, what they want out of life, and which values will serve them best, they are in a better position to make the most of adulthood. Preparing for future roles is one aspect of finding oneself. Thus, anticipatory socialization is quite an important part of adolescent development. Anticipatory socialization involves learning the rights, obligations, and expectations of a role to prepare for assuming that role in the future. For example, playing house as a child is a form of anticipatory socialization for adult family roles. During adolescence, the time for taking on adult roles is much closer at hand. Therefore, anticipatory socialization becomes much more important. A part-time job, club membership, and dating are three common forms of anticipatory socialization during adolescence: These five characteristics of adolescence are quite general, and individual experiences may differ widely Adolescents do not live solely in an adolescent subculture. For example, economic status, family composition, and place of residence can affect life during adolescence. Similarly, race, ethnicity, religion, and cultural heritage can make a difference in the kinds of adolescent experiences a person has. 1. Define and explain adolescence puberty anticipatory socialization A part-time job is one form of anticipatory socialization for an : adult role. Many teenagers find part-time work in retail stores. 2. Identifying Cause and Effect Copy the graphic organizer below. Use it to identify the factors in American society that have led to the development of a separate stage of life called adolescence. 3.1mt:".t·''ff!Mmmm a. Why do sociologists not consider ado- lescence to be a universal concept? b. Describe the five general characteristics of adolescence? 4. ''* tft!!.t.+Jit.lmi'Ml''·'!i Making Generalizations and Predictions Factors Adolescence as a Concept 126 Chapter 6 Write two paragraphs explaining how the experience of adolescence might differ from teenager to teenager because of individual circumstances. Consider: economic status cultural background family structure region of residence TEENAGERS AND DATING How did dating develop as a form of social interaction? What functions does dating fulfill? dating, courtship, homogamy, courting buggy Identify Willard Waller D ating is a social behavior that is familiar to the vast majority of Americans-particularly teenagers. However, like adolescence, dating is not a universal phenomenon. Dating, or the meeting of people as a romantic engagement, is most commonly found in societies that allow individuals to choose their own marriage partners. In some societies marriages are arranged by parents or a go-between who negotiates a formal marriage contract between families. In. some cases, the future spouses do not even see each other until their wedding day Because dating is so widespread in America today, it might seem as though it has been around forever. Actually, dating is a relatively recent phenomenon. It did not emerge as a form of social interaction between the sexes until just after World War I. Moreover, only in the past 60 years have sociologists taken an interest in dating as a topic of study increases. In the modern relationship system the interaction may stop at any point along the continuum. Some stages may be bypassed. Therefore, this relationship system is a very flexible one. The courtship system that existed prior to dating was not this flexible. To understand courtship in modern terms , you might think of it as a point somewhere between steady dating and engagement on the continuum. Courtship was not casual, and roles were very strictly defined. To court a woman, a young man was expected first to meet her parents and ask their permission. It was also expected that the man's intentions would be honorable and, above all, marriage-minded. Courtship was usually conducted in the parlor of the woman's home under close supervision or in a social situation among a group of people. Rarely was a couple left alone. If the relationship continued for any length of time, marriage was the expected outcome. Young people did have fun together during courtship , but its main purpose was to find a spouse. It was from this strictly structured base that the modern-day system of dating emerged. Courtship and Dating Prior to the rise of dating in the United States, interaction between young unmarried men and women was restricted to courtship. Courtship differs from dating in that courtship's express purpose is eventual marriage. Dating, on the other hand, may eventually lead to marriage. Its main purpose is entertainment and amusement, at least in the casual stages. Dating is the means through which most individuals eventually do select their marriage mates in modern American society. Therefore, it might be helpful to view the process as a continuum. The continuum begins with casual dating, progresses to steady dating, and then moves on to engagement and , eventually, to marriage. As individuals move along the continuum, the degree of commitment given to the relationship INTERPRETING VISUALS At the beginning of the 1900s, courtship was t he common mea ns by w hich couples met and interacted. Based on this image, how do you think courtship differs from dating today? The Adolescent in Society 12 7 INTERPRETING VISUALS The arrival of the automobile in the early 1900s greatly transformed dating by allowing young couples more independence. What other technologies IHwe influenced dating?' The Emergence of Dating The rise of industrialization contributed greatly to the development of dating in the United States. Prior to the Industrial Revolution, the economy of the United States was based primarily on agriculture. The timing of marriage was determined by the age at which a man acquired the property necessary to support a family This requirement generally meant that marriage was delayed until a young man's father was willing to transfer a portion of the family land to the son. Because family property was involved, parents exercised considerable control over the marriage choices of their children. During the Industrial Revolution many people moved away from farms and into the cities. As a result, young adults became less dependent on their parents for 128 Chapter 6 economic security They could seek employment away from the family farm and establish their own households independent of their parents' assistance. This economic freedom reduced parental control over courtship and set the stage for the development of dating. Free public secondary education also helped to pave the way for dating. By the beginning of the 1900s, the majority of secondary-school students were enrolled in public schools. Unlike many private schools, public schools were coeducational, which meant that young men and women spent a good portion of their day with one another. The trend toward dating accelerated in the years after World War I. During this time more and more Americans acquired telephones and automobiles. These two technological developments gave young people added I freedom of movement. The 1920s also was a period of increased social and political equality for women. More women entered the workforce and took active roles in the community As a result, the interaction between single adult men and single adult women increased. Under these changed social conditions, dating was a much more practical form of interaction than was the formal courtship system of earlier times. Willard Waller conducted one of the earliest sociological analyses of American dating patterns. During the late 1920s and early 1930s, Waller studied the dating habits of students at Pennsylvania State University Based on his findings, he concluded that casual dating was a form of entertainment that had little to do with mate selection. Status attainment and excitement were at the center of the dating process. Partners were selected on the basis of status characteristics, such as good looks, nice clothes, and popularity Thus, dating contrasted sharply with the courtship process, in which the traits of dependability and honesty were most valuable. Waller also found that dating on the Pennsylvania State campus was almost entirely limited to members of sororities and fraternities. Individuals dated people of similar social rank-members of the "best" fraternities dated members of the "best" sororities. Women ranked potential dates according to status characteristics such as fraternity membership, looks, money, clothes, cars, and dancing ability The object was to be seen with the "right" people. To be seen with a person of lower status could damage an individuals social standing on campus. Later research challenged Waller's picture of the "rating and dating" game. Status attainment and entertainment are certainly major factors that attract people to casual dating. However, character and personality factors are also important. Many similarities exist between the qualities that an individual looks for in a casual date and what he or she looks for in a marriage partner. For example, status attainment is important both in casual dating and in spouse selection. In fact, status attainment is a function of homogamy-the tendency of individuals to marry people who have social characteristics similar to their own. INTERPRETING VISUALS During the 1920s Willard Waller found that sorority and fraternity life and dating were linked. Later studies challenged Waller's conclusions about the importance of status in dating. How do you lbinlc dating today differs from dating in tfJe 1920s'! The Adolescent in Society 129 MIDDLETOWN The Industrial Revolution of the late 7BOOs brought enormous change to the United States. Social scientists Robert S. and Helen Merrell Lynd wondered what effects this change had on American culture. They thought the best way to find out was to look at how industrial and technological innovations had affected everyday life in a typical small American town. Their 7929 study of Muncie, Indiana, Middletown: A Study in Modern American Culture, has long been considered a classic of sociological literature. In the following excerpts, the Lynds discuss how two innovations-the automobile and the movies-affected the behavior of young people in Middletown. "Many families feel that an automobile is justified as an agency holding the family group together. 'I never feel as close to my family as when we are all together in the car,' said one... mother.... Sixtyone per cent of 337 boys and 60 per cent of 423 girls in the three upper years of the high school say that they motor more often with their parents than without them. But this centralizing tendency may be only a passing phase; sets in the other direction are almost equally prominent. 'Our daughters [eighteen and sixteen] don't use our car much because they are always with somebody else in their car when we go out motoring,' lamented one... mother. And another said, 'The two older children [eighteen and sixteen] never go out when the family motors. They always have something else on.'... 'What on earth do you want me to do? just sit around home all evening?' retorted a popular high school girl of today when her father discouraged her going out motoring for the evening with a young blade in a rakish car waiting at the curb. The fact that 348 boys and 382 girls in the three upper years of the high school placed 'use of the automobile' fifth and fourth respectively in a list of twelve possible sources of disagreement between them and their parents suggests that this may be an increasing decentralizing agent.... How is life being quickened by the movies for the youngsters who bulk so large in the audiences... ? Actual changes of habits resulting from the weekafter-week witnessing of... films can only be inferred. Robert S. and Helen Merrell Lynd found in their 1929 study on Muncie that the automobile played an important role in dating and teen life. ~~~~ aril~~~-·......."" Young Middletown is finding discussion of problems of mating in this new agency that boast in large illustrated advertisements, 'Girls! You will learn how to handle 'em!' and 'Is it true that marriage kills love? If you want to know what love really means, its exquisite torture, its overwhelming raptures, see--.' 'Sheiks and their shebas,' according to the press account of the Sunday opening of one film, '... sat without a movement or a whisper through the presentation.... It was a real exhibition of love-making and the youths and maidens of [Middletown] who thought that they knew something about the art found that they still had a great deal to learn.' Some high school teachers are convinced that the movies are a powerful factor in bringing about the 'early sophistication' of the young and the relaxing of social taboos. One... mother frankly welcomes the movies as an aid in child rearing, saying, 'I send my daughter because a girl has to learn the ways of the world somehow and the movies are a good safe way.' The judge of the juvenile court lists the movies as one of the 'big four' causes of juvenile delinquency, believing that the disregard of group mores by the young is definitely related to the witnessing week after week of fictitious behavior sequences that habitually link the taking of long chances and the happy ending." INTERPRETING VISUALS Today dating serves many social functions such as entertainment, socialization, companionship, and status obtainment. How might double-dating provide these functions? Why Date? Dating serves several important functions in adolescence. First, dating is a form of entertainment. Dating allows young people to get together to simply have fun. This goal is particularly true in the case of casual dating. Second, dating is a mechanism for socialization. It teaches individuals about members of the opposite sex and how to behave in social situations. It also helps individuals to learn appropriate role behaviors and to define their selfconcepts. Third, dating fulfills certain basic psychological needs such as conversation, companionship, and understanding. Fourth, dating helps individuals attain status. In societies where individuals choose their own marriage. partners, people are judged in part by whom they date. Dating a person who is valued by others as a potential date can raise one's own status. Finally, in the later stages of dating, spouse selection becomes an important issue. All of these functions are not necessarily present at each stage of the dating continuum. If they are present, they may not carry the same weight. For example, in the case of casual dating, entertainment and status attainment may be, as Waller suggested, the most important functions. However, as the level of commitment in a relationship increases, socialization and companionship may be of primary concern. The Adolescent in Society 131 Dating Patterns Dating patterns, like dating relationships, can be viewed as a continuum. On one end are traditional dating patterns. These are the ones most closely associated with dating behavior prior to the 1960s. On the other end of the continuum are the informal patterns that are characteristic of dating today Traditional Dating Patterns Traditional dating patterns can still be found in small towns and rural areas of the United States. However, they are most characteristic of dating during the 1940s and 1950s. Under the traditional dating system, responsibility for arranging a date fell to the man. He was expected to contact his intended dating partner, suggest a time and place for the date, select the activity; and pay for any expenses that arose. Dating behavior was quite ritualized. Both parties knew what was expected of them because the rules of conduct were well defined by the group to which they belonged. Pressure to conform to expected behavior was strong. Behavior that was not in line with group expectations met with sharp disapproval. In most cases, an established weekly timetable for setting up a date existed. If Wednesday was the designated day for arranging Saturday night dates, attempts made later in the week often met with rejection. Accepting a date late in the week was often seen as an acknowledgment by a young woman that she was not a young man's first choice. Dating was so expected and so tied to social status that individuals who did not have dates on prime dating nights were known to hide in their rooms in shame. Particularly in the early stages of a relationship, dates revolved around set activities such as going to movies or sporting events. This type of activity often helped to lessen the stress felt by dating partners. For example, if interaction between them proved awkward, they could focus their attention on the activity In traditional dating patterns a man often gave an identification bracelet as a sign of commitment. Today-with contemporary dating practices-there is greater equality in dating, and it is common for both women and men to initiate dates. 132 Chapter 6 If a couple continued to date casually over a period of time, the relationship often developed into one of steady dating. This type of dating carried with it a formal set of expectations and commitments. As a visible symbol of commitment, the young man often gave the young woman his class ring, identification bracelet, or letterman's jacket. Because of the level of commitment involved, steady dating acted as a form of anticipatory socialization for marriage. Even so, steady partners were not necessarily expected to get married. Individuals commonly had several "steadies" at different times before settling on a marriage partner. Contemporary Dating Patterns Since the 1960s, dating has not followed such formal patterns. Today there is greater opportunity for young men and women to interact with each other informally There are no set stages of dating. In addition, there is now greater equality in dating. Both men and women now actively initiate dates. Similarly; it is acceptable for either partner to pay for the date or for each person to pay his or her own way This tendency toward flexibility reveals some important differences between traditional and contemporary dating patterns. Under the traditional dating system, THEMES IN POPULAR SONGS usic is a basic part of adolescence. Many adolescents consider it very important to own the latest compact discs. They also spend many hours listening to their favorite songs on the radio. What themes are stressed in these popular songs? How do these themes relate to the lives of adolescents? A little research in the form of content analysis can help you answer such questions. M Issues in Adolescence Before focusing on these questions, reread this chapter's sections on the characteristics of adolescence and on the dating relationship. Based on this information, compile a list of issues that are important in adolescence. The list might include: A. the effects of, or problems with, physical maturity B. the effects of, or ways of dealing with, the undefined status of adolescents in modern society C. the problems associated with, or benefits of, increased decision-making power during adolescence D. the increased pressures of adolescence E. the problems involved in establishing meaningful relationships F. the search for self-identity during adolescence G. the forms of anticipatory socialization common in adolescence H. the learning of correct ways to behave in social and other situations I. the importance of establishing friendships with members of the opposite sex J. the need to be flexible in relationships K. the expectations and commitments involved in relationships Reviewing the Songs Now you are ready to tackle the questions. First, you will need to obtain a list of the top 40 or 50 songs currently on the charts. Music stores and radio stations that play popular music have such lists. Next, listen to as many of the songs as you can. It might be easier to use songbooks or other sources of Themes of recent popular music hits-such as love, relationships, and commitment-have appealed to many teenagers. printed lyrics, when available. As you examine each song, jot down information that will enable you to answer the following questions: 1. What is the name of the song? 2. What is the main theme of the song? 3. Are there any secondary themes? 4. What are the key words or phrases in the song that give a clue to the main theme or secondary theme? After you have gathered this information for a sufficient number of songs, compare the song themes with the issues raised in the chapter. To help you tabulate your findings, it might be helpful to construct a chart. The letters refer to the issues in the list you compiled, and the numbers refer to the songs you reviewed. Each song can have an entry in as many lettered categories as applicable. Each time a song deals with an issue, place a mark in the appropriate square of the chart. Once you have analyzed all of the material, count the number of marks in each square to get an idea of which themes appear to be the most common in popular songs. interaction was formal and the relationship centered on the couple. In order to obtain a date, some men thought they needed to have a good "line"-a method of selling themselves to an intended date. Today relationships are based more on friendship and the group-than on the couple. Consequently, it is less often necessary to use a "line" to create a false but favorable first impression. The traditional dating practices of the Amish of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, offer an interesting counterpoint to contemporary dating patterns. The Amish have lived in the United States for several hundred years but choose to have little to do with society outside of their own community. The Amish devote themselves to farming and live without electricity, telephones, automobiles, appliances, or any other mark of the modern world. The dating activities that many of today's high school students take for granted are practically unknown to Amish youth. Amish communities have no movie theaters, beaches, football stadiums, or cars. Yet practically all Amish youth date, court, and eventually marry. The Amish begin dating around the age of 16. At this age Amish men customarily receive their own courting buggy, or horse-drawn carriage. Most opportunities for young Amish men and women to spend time together occur at formal events. These opportunities include picnics, weddings, cornhuskings, and barn raisings. However, the best time for arranging dates comes at Sunday evening "singings." At these, women and men sit across from each other, sing hymns, and talk. After the singing, they mingle socially. At the end of the evening, some men and women pair off. The men then escort the women 1. Define and explain dating courtship homogamy courting buggy home, either by buggy or on foot. If the two begin to go steady, they usually see each other on dates once every one or two weeks. They are usually very discreet about dating and only make a public announcement of their relationship when they decide to marry. Dating is a serious business for Amish youth because it is done with marriage in mind. They must be very careful in their selection of a spouse, because the Amish faith does not recognize divorce. Young Amish men begin dating after they receive their first courting buggy. --4. Finding the Main Idea 3. Sequencing Copy the continuum below. Use it to sequence the stages of commitment in the dating process. 134 I Chapter 6 -- - to the development of dating in the United States? b. What are the five functions served by dating? 5. Writing and Cri --------- Willard Waller.. - - 2. Identify and explain Least Commitment ---- a. How did the rise of industrialization contribute Comparing and Contrasting Write two paraMost Commitment I graphs comparing traditional dating patterns with dating patterns common today. Consider: the ritualized nature of traditional dating patterns the informal nature of modern dating patterns CHALLENGES OF ADOLESCENCE What are some of the social problems facing contemporary teenagers? What are the causes and consequences of t hese problems? Define drug, social integration dolescence can be a turbulent and perplexing time of life. The characteristics of adolescence that mark it as a distinct life stage give rise to pressures and problems not generally found in childhood. Caught between the relative safety of childhood and the supposed independence of adulthood, teenagers face important developmental tasks. These tasks include carving out an identity, planning for the future, becoming more independent, and developing close relationships. Most teenagers accomplish these tasks with minimal trauma. However, others do not. For these teenagers, life at times can seem overwhelming. The 1980s and 1990s saw a boom in scientific research on the adolescent stage of development. Much of this research focused on the problems that teenagers face. Some of the more serious issues addressed in this research include sexual behavior, drug abuse, and suicide. A 1960s and 1970s the development of the birth control pill, a youth counterculture, and the feminist movement led to what has been called the "sexual revolution." During this revolution, the norms governing sexual behavior began to change. For many people, human sexuality became a topic that was openly discussed and explored. As a consequence, sexuality is a familiar feature of American culture today For example, sexual references are common in the programs seen in the 98 percent of American households that own television sets. Similarly, varying degrees of physical intimacy are found in almost every film that does not carry a "G" rating. In addition, advertisers have for years been using the lure of sexuality to sell their products. One of the unanticipated consequences of the changing norms concerning sexuality has been a dramatic increase in adolescent sexual behavior. As a result, social scientists now devote considerable time to measuring the rate of teenage sexual activity and to analyzing the factors that influence teenage sexuality The Rate of Teenage Sexual Activity Survey data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that 29 percent of unmarried American females between the ages of 15 and 19 were sexually active in 1970. By 1995 the rate of sexual activity had increased to 50 percent for the same category of teenagers. Teenage childbearing showed a similar pattern. In 1970 there were 22 births per 1,000 unmarried teenage females. By 1996 the birthrate for unmarried teenage females had risen to 4 3. However, these recent numbers represent a drop since the early 1990s. Teenage Sexual Behavior As with so many other social phenomena, the norms governing sexual behavior vary widely from society to society Some small preindustrial societies permit adolescents to engage in sexual behavior before marriage. In some of these societies-such as the Trobrianders of the South Pacific Ocean-sexual experimentation is even encouraged. Such experimentation is viewed as preparation for marriage. In Western countries, on the other hand, traditional sexual values include strict norms against premarital sexuality Traditional sexual values in the United States are an outgrowth of Puritan and Victorian views of sexual morality According to these views, sexual activity should be confined to marriage. Until the 1960s, traditional sexual values had the support of the vast majority of Americans-at least in principle, if not always in practice. However, in the The recent drop in teenage sexual activity has come with the growth of pro-abstinence grou ps such as the Pure Love All iance. The Adolescent in Society 135 The birthrate among American teenagers is considerably higher than it is among teenagers of other industrialized countries. During the 1990s the CDC established national health objectives to address this issue. CDC programs encouraged American teenagers to abstain from sexual activity For those unwilling to abstain, the CDC has encouraged the use of effective methods of birth control. Surveys conducted in the late 1990s indicate that CDC programs have had some success. Sexual activity among teenagers declined during the decade, teenagers' use of birth control increased, and the teen-pregnancy rate fell. Influences on Early Sexual Activity Social scientists have developed a number of explanations for why adolescents engage in sexual activity. Most often, these explanations focus on social and economic factors or on subcultural factors. Among the social and economic factors found to influence early sexual activity are family-income level, parents' marital status, and religious participation. In general, teenagers from higher-income two-parent families have lower rates of sexual activity than teenagers from low-income one-parent families. Similarly, some teenagers who actively practice their religion tend to hold less-permissive attitudes and are less experienced sexually than some nonreligious teenagers. Explanations that focus on subcultures suggest that teenage sexual activity is influenced by subgroup norms concerning sexual behavior. Generally, teenagers whose friends engage in premarital sex are more likely to be sexually active than those whose friends are not sexually active. Early sexual behavior is also associated with other risk-taking behaviors such as drug use and delinquency Consequences of Early Sexual Activity Sexual activity has consequences. For teenagers, these consequences are often negative. Some social scientists who study teenage sexuality focus on the social and health consequences of early sexual activity According to CDC statistics, less than one third of American teenage women who are sexually active use birth-control methods on a regular basis. Thus, it is not surprising that each year about 1 million teenage women become pregnant. Birthrate for Unmarried Wo~en, 1940-2000 1 so '-n "C (I) ~ c: (I) 40 E 0 ~ 30 "C (I) ·;:.... ta E c: 20 :::::1 0 0 ::' 10.... (I) ,c....r:. t:: ii5 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 Year Source: National Vital Statistics Reports INTERPRETING GRAPHS While the number of births by unmarried women has risen since 1940, the birthrate has fallen some in recent years. How much did the birthrate Increase between 1970 and 20001 What types of demographic and cultural questions might these figures lead a sociologist to askl 136 Chapter 6 One negative affect of teenage pregnancy is the stress young mothers face as they try to balance raising a child and getting an education. Teenage pregnancy has been found to have anumber of negative consequences. Chief among them are the following: Babies born to teenage mothers have lower birth weights and are more likely to die within the first year of life than are babies born to women older than 20. Teenagers who become mothers and fathers are less likely to finish high school and college than teenagers who do not become parents. This outcome is particularly true for teenage mothers. Due in large part to lower levels of education, individuals who become parents during adolescence have lower lifetime earnings than individuals who delay parenthood until later in life. Children of teenage parents are more likely to experience learning difficulties than children of older parents. Children of teenage parents have an increased risk of becoming teenage parents themselves. Teenage mothers often face significant emotional stress. Even when pregnancy does not occur, early sexual activity can have negative health effects. Sexual contact exposes t.e enagers to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Studies indicate that some 4 million American teenagers contract a sexually transmitted disease each year. And about a quarter of all new cases of STDs occur among 15- to 19-year-olds. For example, in 2000 this age group accounted for 8 percent of all syphilis cases, about 28 percent of all gonorrhea cases, and nearly 40 percent of all chlamydia cases. AIDS is a fatal disease caused by a virus that attacks the human immune system, leaving the person vulnerable to a host of deadly infections. This fatal disease is becoming an increasingly serious threat among the teenage population. High rates of sexual activity combined with low rates of condom use put teenagers at risk of contracting the disease through sexual contact with infected partners. Studies show that teenagers are aware of the dangers of AIDS. Some 44 percent of 15- to 17-year-olds surveyed in 1998 said that AIDS is one of the most important health issues facing teenagers. Yet, at the same ti~e, few teenagers say they think they are personally at risk of contracting AIDS or any other STD. However, according to the CDC, at least 50 percent of new HIV infections occur among people younger than 25. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. More significantly, 'in the late 1990s AIDS ranked as the seventh leading cause of death among young people aged 15 to 24. Drug use can have many negative consequences for teenagers, including jail time. Teenage Drug Use A drug is any substance that changes mood, behavior, or consciousness. Drugs exist in many forms, including medicines, alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana, cocaine, and heroin. Drug use has a long history The Greeks smoked opium more than 3,000 years ago, and the Aztecs commonly used hallucinogens. In the United States the use of heroin and cocaine for nonmedical purposes was common until the early 1900s. In fact, even during the late 1800s cocaine could be found as an ingredient in a wide variety of products, including soft drinks, cough medicines, and nasal sprays. Drug Violence In recent years, the public has become increasingly alarmed over the social consequences of drug abuse. This alarm is primarily a result of the dramatic increase in drug-related crime, during the 1980s and 1990s. Muggings, robberies, and burglaries committed by addicts in search of drug money have become a common occurrence. Even more frightening is the growth in violence associated with drug trafficking. During the mid-1990s about 1,000 drug-related murders occurred each year in the United States. This violence was largely the result of turf wars between rival gangs engaged in drug trafficking. Adult criminal gangs control the drug trade in the United States. However, the foot soldiers are often children and teenagers. Children as young as 9 or 10 are hired first as lookouts. In time, they rise in the gang hierarchy to become runners and eventually drug dealers. The Adolescent in Society 13 7 Crack cocaine is the principal cause of the dramatic rise in drug-related violence. Crack is a highly addictive smokable form of cocaine. With the introduction of crack in the early to mid-1980s, drug-related juvenile arrests skyrocketed. Although these numbers dropped in 1998, more than 200,000 juveniles were arrested in the United States for drug-abuse violations. This number represents an 86 percent increase over 1990 figures. indicates that 19 percent of high-school seniors smoke on a daily basis. Alcohol use among teenagers has declined in recent years, bu t it remains a widespread problem. In 2000 some 73 percent of the high-school seniors surveyed reported having used alcohol at some point. In addition, 50 percent reported having had a drink as recently as a month before the survey was taken. Nearly 33 percent of the seniors surveyed said that they had five or more drinks on a single occasion within two weeks of the survey These findings are particularly significant in light of the fact that it is illegal for virtually all high-school students to buy alcohol. Any downward trend in drug use, however slight, is encouraging. Nevertheless, two factors should be kept in mind when analyzing the University of Michigan data. First, even with the recent declines, the United States has the highest rate of drug use among adolescents of any industrialized coun try Second, the survey does not measure drug use among the approximately 11 percent of young Americans who do not graduate from high school. Research has indicated that high-school dropouts have much higher rates of drug use than do high-school seniors. Thus, it is likely that the survey underestimates the scope of the drug problem among teenagers. The Rate of Teenage Drug Use Since 1975, the University of Michigans Institute for Social Research has conducted an annual survey of high-school seniors. The table on this page shows changes in the rates of use for various drugs from 1990 through 2001. As the table shows, usage patterns vary by type of drug. Although marijuana use declined in the early 1990s, it has risen in the last few years. Marijuana also remains the most widely used illegal drug among high-school seniors. Cocaine use has followed a similar pattern, but the use of hallucinogens such as LSD peaked in the mid1990s. Use of new drugs such as MDMA, or ecstasy, has increased in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Cigarette smoking has dropped only slightly during the 1990s- despite repeated health warnings about the negative effects of smoking. Significantly, the survey Trends in Drug Use Among High-School Seniors, 1990-2001 Percentage of Seniors Ever Having Used Drugs 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Marijuana/hashish 41 37 33 35 38 42 45 50 49 50 49 49 Inhalants 18 18 17 17 18 17 17 16 15 15 14 14 Hallucinogens 9 10 9 11 11 13 14 15 14 14 13 13 Cocaine 9 8 6 6 6 6 7 9 9 10 9 8 Heroin 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Other narcotics 8 7 6 6 7 7 8 10 10 10 11 10 Amphetamines 18 15 14 15 16 15 15 17 16 16 16 16 Sedatives 8 7 6 6 7 8 8 8 9 10 9 9 Tranquilizers 7 7 6 6 7 7 Alcohol 90 88 88 80 80 81 Cigarettes 64 63 62 62 62 64 Drug I 7 I 79 I 64 8 I 82 I 65 9 I 81 I 65 9 80 I 65 Source: The Monitoring the Future Study, 2 00 1 INTERPRETING TABLES While the use of marijuana has dropped since 1987, the number of high-school seniors who have used the drug has risen in recent years. Use the lnfotmatlon In this table to aeate a line graph showing the changes In marijuana mage. How much did the use of marijuana grow between 1992 and 19991 138 Chapter 6 I 9 I 80 I 63 9 80 I 61 TEEN VIOLENCE iolence appears to be a growing problem among young people in the United States. In 2000, more than 20 percent of the people arrested for violent crimes were between 13 and 19 years of age. Teenagers were also victims of violent crime at higher rates than any other age group. With a growing number of incidences of school violence, sociologists have been searching for clues to the causes of teen violence. What accounts for the prevalence of violence among teenagers? Some studies suggest that the answer lies in American youth culture, particularly media-related aspects of the culture. V Violence and the Media In a 2001 review of studies on the media and violence, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) noted that television shows and movies-particularly those made for young people-are filled with violence. Much of this violence is presented in an entertaining and glamorous fashion. Because young people, on average, spend six hours or more a day using the media, they will likely be influenced by this view of violence. Some young people imitate the behavior they have seen others exhibit. The AAP suggests that if young people see their heroes resorting to violence to solve problems, they will do the same. In time, some young people accept violence as a legitimate form of behavior. Citing several studies, the AAP argues that exposure to media violence is related to several problems among the young. Media violence may encourage aggressive behavior. For example, after playing violent video games, many young people show more aggression and exhibit violent behavior. Further, the AAP asserts that the media's heavy emphasis on violence makes the world look like a much more dangerous place than it is. As a result, some young people act more aggressively as a way to protect themselves from becoming victims of violence. Sociologists argue that the "violence as entertainment" presented by the media clouds young people's understanding of the consequences of violence-that it causes real harm to its victims. To help keep schools safe and to halt teen violence, many schools have implemented strict security measures. A Different View Historian james Gilbert disagrees with that explanation of teen violence. Gilbert notes that in the 1950s, youth-oriented media-most notably crime and horror comic books-were blamed for the rise in juvenile delinquency. Congressional hearings were held on the issue, and the publishing industry agreed to control the excesses of these comic books. Over time, the comics did change. But the rate of juvenile crime did not fall. Similarly, Gilbert suggests, placing controls on the media will have little effect on teen violence. Gilbert goes on to argue that the drive to control the media, both in the 1950s and today, may have little to do with teen violence or juvenile delinquency. The 1950s were a time of rebellion for many young Americans. They developed their own youth cultures that challenged their parents' demands for conformity. This independence was a truly disturbing development for most American adults, Gilbert wrote. Similarly, some older Americans today are disturbed by the development of the Internet, which has introduced the young to a new world of influences. Gilbert concludes that blaming the media for social problems may simply be an effort by adults to control what they do not like or understand. INTERPRETING VISUALS Anti-drug campaigns such as the D.A.R.E. Program have attempted to reduce teen drug use through education. How might public activism such as this influence teenagers? Influences on Teenage Drug Use Why do teenagers use drugs? Social scientists have found a number of factors associated with the regular use of drugs by teenagers. Chief among these factors are having friends who regularly engage in drug use, having social and academic adjustment problems, and living in a hostile and rejecting family setting. Teenage Attitudes Toward Drug Use The University of Michigan surveys also monitor changes in the attitudes of teenagers toward drug use. At the peak of marijuana use in 1979, only 42 percent of the seniors surveyed believed that regular marijuana use was harmful to one's health. By 2000 that figure stood at about 58 percent. Similarly, in the late 1970s approximately 69 percent of the seniors surveyed thought that regular cocaine use was harmful. By 2000 more than 85 percent of those surveyed reported that regular cocaine use was harmful to one:S health. 140 Chapter 6 The view that cigarette smoking is harmful has also gained supporters over the years of the survey In 1975 slightly more than 51 percent of the seniors believed that smoking one or more packs of cigarettes a day was harmful to one:S health. By 2000 that figure had increased to about 73 percent. However, attitudes toward the health dangers presented by alcohol have remained fairly constant-and low-over the course of the surveys. Over the years, less than 30 percent of seniors have thought that taking one or two drinks nearly every day was harmful. In recent years, the disapproval ratings for regular use of marijuana and cigarettes have increased. For example, in 1977 slightly more than 65 percent of the seniors surveyed disapproved of regular marijuana use. By 2000 nearly 80 percent of those surveyed disapproved. However, the increase in the disapproval rate has been much smaller in the case of cigarette smoking. In 1977 about 66 percent of high-school seniors disapproved of smoking one or more packs of cigarettes a day By 2000 that figure had increased to 70 percent. ~ Negative attitudes toward regular use of drugs-such as LSD, cocaine , heroin, amphetamines, and barbiturates-have remained fairly constant over the course of the surveys. Depending on the drug, disapproval ratings have ranged from 90 percent to 98 percent. Heavy daily use of alcohol received about a 90 percent negative response through the years of the survey. Sociologists acknowledge that suicide is an act committed by individuals, but they are more interested in the social factors that affect suicide rates. According to the sociological perspective , variations in suicide rates can be understood by studying the structure of society and the experiences of people. Emile Durkheim's classic study Suicide is still the most comprehensive sociological analysis of suicide to date. Durkheim was interested in why some societies or groups within a society have higher rates of suicide than others. According to Durkheim, variations in suicide rates can be explained by the level of social integration in a group or society. Social integration is the degree of attachment people have to social groups or to society as a whole. Durkheim predicted that groups or societies with particularly high or particularly low levels of social integration will have high rates of suicide. In Durkheim's view, high levels of social integration can lead to increased rates of suicide because group members place the needs of the group above their own personal needs. For example, in the traditional Inuit society of Arctic North America, elderly people walked into the snowy wild to die once they became a burden on the group. Strong community bonds made the elderly value the welfare of the group over their own welfare. Teenage Suicide The social problems of teenage drug and alcohol abuse are contributing factors to another serious adolescent problem. The rate of suicide among young people in the United States has more than doubled in the past three decades. In 1997 Surgeon General David Satcher put the problem in perspective when he noted that "a youth suicide occurs once every 2 hours in our country, 12 times a day, 84 times a week... well over 4,000 times a year. " As the chart on this page shows, the suicide rate for young people now exceeds the rate for the general population. Suicide is third only to accidents and homicides as the leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 24. It is the fourth leading cause of death among 10- to 14-year-olds. Studies suggest that the actual nu~ber of suicides is higher than official statistics indicate. Many suicides are misreported as accidents. Deaths recorded as resulting from undetermined cause may actually be suicides. Researchers Suicide Rates per 100,000 argue that suicide rates among the young Population, 1960- 2000 would be much higher if certain accidental drownings , drug overdoses, and other similar deaths were taken into consideration. 2000 - - - - - - - - - In 1999 the CDC questioned high-school students on the topic of suicide. Some 8 per19 0 cent of the students reported they had attempted suicide. Almost 20 percent said 1985 - - - - - - - - - - cu that they had seriously considered suicide. ~ Some 14 percent of them had even made a 1.980 - - - - - - - - - - - suicide plan. While these findings are startling , it is important to keep in mind that 1970 suicide is a much more serious problem among elderly people. The rate of suicide for 1960 people aged 75 to 84 is almost twice as high 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 as it is among the young. Suicides ~~ I I I I I I I I I I I ' 1I I I I I I I I I I I I I ~ I IIII II IIIIIII The Sociological View of Suicide When you think of the causes and consequences of suicide, you probably think in terms of individuals. You most likely see suicide as a personal act that results from psychological factors such as depression. - Ages 15-24 - 13 14 All Ages Source: U.S. National Center for Health Statistics INTERPRETING GRAPHS The rate of teenage suicide has been considered a serious problem by many sociologists. By how much did the rate of suicide Increase between 1960 and 1980? The Adolescent in Society 141 INTERPRETING VISUALS Many schools and communities have initiated counseling services and suicide hotlines to reduce the number of suicides. How might these services help teens? Suicides resulting from low levels of social integration are much more common than those resulting from high levels of integration. Low levels of integration occur in periods of social disorganization, which can result from many factors. Some common factors are rapid social change, increased geographic mobility, war or natural disasters, and sudden changes in economic conditions. Suicide rates increase during periods of social disorganization because the norms that govern behavior weaken or become less clear. In addition, the social bonds that give individuals a sense of group solidaritysuch as family ties and religion-tend to weaken during periods of social disorganization. Deprived of clear behavioral guidelines and adequate social support, some people turn to suicide as a last resort. Suicide caused by low levels of social integration is the form most commonly found in modern industrialized societies. 14 2 Chapter 6 Predictors of Teenage Suicide As teenagers move from the role of child to that of adult, they are faced with new freedoms as well as new restrictions. Many of the norms that governed proper behavior during childhood no longer apply Yet many adult behaviors are still considered inappropriate. At the same time, friends and the larger society have more and more influence over teenagers' beliefs and actions. As the control of the family lessens, teenagers begin to take increasing responsibility for their own actions. Most teenagers adapt to these changing expectations. For some, however, the confusion and self-doubt common in adolescence are often blown out of proportion. Because teenagers tend to focus so much on the present, they often do not realize that most problems can be solved with time and patience. In some cases, social isolation and self-doubt lead to frustrations that may push adolescents toward suicidal behavior. Suicide cuts across all social categories. There are cases of teenage suicide among both sexes; every economic level; and all races, religions, and nationalities. Nevertheless , certain social factors appear to affect the rates of teenage suicide. According to Brad L. Neiger and Rodney W Hopkins, the following social factors are important: Alcohol or drug use The risk of suicide increases along with an adolescent's use of alcohol and drugs. Social scientists offer three explanations for this correlation. First, teenagers who are heavy users of alcohol and drugs typically have low levels of self-control and are easily frustrated. Second, teenagers under the influence of drugs or alcohol are more likely to act on impulse. Third , teenagers often use drugs and alcohol as the method by which to commit suicide. Triggering events In most teenage suicides, a specific event or the anticipation of a specific event triggers the suicide attempt. Common triggers include fear of punishment, loss of or rejection by an important person, unwanted pregnancy, family crisis, poor school performance, and a fight with a friend or parent. Age The risk of suicide increases with age. Although children under the age of 13 do commit suicide, rates are much higher for older teenagers and young adults. Sex Females are three times more likely than males to attempt suicide. However, males are much more likely to succeed. This outcome is partially a result of the fact that teenage men often choose guns and other weapons as the means by which to commit suicide. Population density Recent studies indicate that underpopulated areas have higher rates of teenage suicide than do heavily populated areas. Researchers believe that the higher rate may be a result of social isolation, 1. Define and explain drug social integration which is more likely in underpopulated areas. In addition, teenagers in underpopulated areas generally have access to fewer social services. Family relations As Durkheim noted, the weakening of social bonds increases the likelihood of suicide. Thus, it is not surprising that suicide rates are higher for teenagers from families in which violence, intense marital conflict, or the recent loss of a parent through divorce or death is evident. In addition, suicide is more common in those families in which parents show hostility or rejection toward their children. Cluster effect A teenage suicide sometimes results in other suicide attempts among adolescents in a community This phenomenon is more likely to occur when a popular member of the community takes his or her life. In some instances, a well-publicized suicide can trigger "copycat" attempts in other communities as well. Mentalhealth officials suggest that the cluster effect occurs because the news of suicide acts as a fuse that ignites self-destructive behaviors in already unstable adolescents. Studies suggest that as many as 200 teen suicides a year are the result of the cluster effect. As this list of factors indicates, teenage-suicide rates are influenced by the same sociological factors that affect rates of suicide in the adult population. Chief among these factors are social isolation and the weakening of social bonds. Most communities have programs and services geared toward helping teenagers over the rough spots common in adolescence. Perhaps what is most important for teenagers to learn is that they are not alone with their problems. Thus, teenagers suffering from feelings of isolation or frustration should be encouraged to seek help and guidance. 2. Categorizing Copy the word web below. Use it to identify the chief predictors of teenage suicide. 3. __F_i~di_ng the Main lde~j a. According to social scientists, what are some of the causes and consequences of early sexual activity? b. According to social scientists, what are some of the causes of teen suicide? -------- Writing and Critical Thinking l 4. ~ --------Analyzing Information Write a brief essay on the social and economic problems created by teen drug abuse. Consider: teenage drug use teenage perceptions of the dangers of drugs teenage attitudes toward drug use - ""~ -----~--- ~ ~-~ ~~ The Adolescent in Society 143 BODY IMAGE AND EATING HABITS IN FIJI Body image-the view a person has about his or her body-plays an important role in adolescent development. Young people who are satisfied with the way their bodies look tend to be happier and better adjusted. Weight is a significant aspect of body image, particularly for adolescent girls. Many young American women express dissatisfaction with their weight, wishing that they could be thinner. Studies suggest that the idea that thinner is better derives from the media. In magazines, television, and the movies, attractiveness in women is equated with slimness. Young women sometimes drastically adjust their eating habits to achieve this "ideal" body image. Not all cultures regard thinness as attractive. The people of the Pacific Island nation of Fiji have traditionally considered a sturdy rounded figure as ideal. Fijians often compliment each other by saying, "You've gained weight." Too, they look upon losing a large amount of weight as a sign of poor health. However, after the introduction of television to the island, Fijian ideas on body image have changed. This change was particularly notable among adolescent girls, as this excerpt from a news story by reporter Alexis Chiu shows. "The year lV was widely introduced in Fiji in 1995, only three per cent of girls reported they vomited to control their weight, according to the study by Harvard researcher Anne Becker. Three years later, 15 percent reported the behavior. 'They look to television characters as role models,' said Becker.... 'While it's an everyday concept to Americans, reshaping the body is a new concept to Fijians,' she said. Although Becker cautioned that the study does not establish a definitive link between television and eating disorders, she said the The body image and eating habits of the people of Fiji have changed greatly in recent years. Fishing, cultural festivals, and traditional foods are important parts of traditional life in Fiji. 144 Chapter 6 increases were dramatic in a culture that traditionally has focused on the importance of eating well and looking robust. Other warning signs were high in the follow-up study in 1998, with 74 percent of the Fijian girls reporting feeling 'too big or fat' at least sometimes and 62 percent reporting dieting in the past month.... Fiji has only one lV channel, which shows mostly American, Australian and British programs. Favorites include Melrose Place, ER and Xena: Warrior Princess. One girl in the study said the teenagers on television are 'slim and very tall' and that, 'We want our bodies to become like that... so we try to lose a lot of weight.'... Television, however, is just one part of the cultural change taking place on the onceisolated island. 'Television is part and parcel of this rapid change and exposure to global values and media images,' [Becker] said. 'In a community such as Fiji, adolescents are particularly vulnerable.' 'They're trying to emulate a lifestyle: westernstyle clothes, haircuts and slim bodies,' she said." CHAPTER Sociology Video Program Review the video to answer the closing question: Why do you think so many cultures have coming-of-age rituals? Writing a Summary Using standard grammar, spelling, sentence structure, and punctuation, summarize the information in this chapter. Consider: the characteristics and development of adolescence how dating developed and the functions it serves the problems of adolescent life Identifying People and Ideas Thinking Critically 1. Drawing Inferences and Conclusions Why do you think that adolescence, by and large, is found only in modern industrialized societies? 2. Identifying Cause and Effect How do advertisers use peer pressure to encourage you to buy various goods and services? 3. Analyzing Information Consider Willard Waller's work on dating patterns. Why might his study have produced a skewed view of dating in the United States? Identify the following people or terms and use them in appropriate sentences. 4. Identifying Points of View Why do you think 1. adolescence 2. puberty 3. anticipatory 5. Evaluating Emile Durkheim described certain sui- socialization 4. dating 5. courtship 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Willard Waller homogamy courting buggy drug social integration Understanding Main ideas Section 1 (pp. 120-26) 1. Describe the factors that led to the development of the concept of adolescence in the United States. 2. Identify and describe the five major features of adolescence. Section 2 (pp. 127-34) 3. How did the practice of dating develop in the United States? 4. What functions does the dating process perform today? Section 3 (pp. 135-43) most teenagers see less danger in regular drinking than in the regular use of drugs and cigarettes? cides as altruistic. Do such suicides result from low levels of social integration or high levels of social integration? Explain your answer. Writing About Sociology 1. Evaluating Use the Internet and library resources to research the laws relating to juveniles in your state. Write a brief essay that explains how these laws mandate that courts and prison systems handle juveniles differently from adults. 2. Analyzing Information Reread the Case Studies and Other True Stories feature on page 122. Then watch several television programs that focus on the daily life of families with one or more adolescents. Note if and how each program addresses the issue of the blurring of adolescence. Use the graphic organizer to help you analyze the portrayal of adolescents and adults. Share your findings with the rest of the class in a brief written report. 5. What major social problems face American teenagers today? Adolescent Traits 146 Chapter 6 i '..,.-_;... ~- ::':t". ' '.. ' -· --.--. '. ' --- '. ' :·' '.. , '" -- -·' BUILDING SOCIAL STUDIES SKILLS ,,.,,;.,.. Interpreting Graphs Analyzing Primary Sources Study the graph below. Use it to answer the questions that follow. The following excerpt outlines the problems students with part-time jobs face. Read the excerpt, then answer the questions that follow. Tobacco Use by Middle-School and High-School Students, 2002 40 ~--------------------------------------------------'