Youth: Universal Stage of Life or Social Construct?
There is much debate in the world about the definition of youth. Some groups think of youth as a universal stage of life, while others think it is merely a social construct which alters regionally depending on social conditions. While leaving the term undefined may allow for some freedoms for people, being able to participate in activities that may otherwise be conventionally restricted to a specific age group (older people going to pop concerts and younger people “youth” going to bingo), defining specific parameters can also be beneficial in ensuring the safety and well-being of people who can be left vulnerable by the grey area in laws. Without a definition for the group encompassing youth, it can make law making and policy forming problematic and ultimately end up leaving certain groups of people in society vulnerable and unprotected. But before a definition can be created, youth must be classified as a universal stage of life or a social construct.
There is a stronger inclination towards thinking that, to a large extent, the concept of youth is a social construct that is defined differently in each country, in different regions and cultures. This variation is caused by differing social, political, economic and religious conditions in each place. The definition of ‘youth’ even varies from generation to generation as the expectations for each group change due to circumstances such as wars, famines, economic revival. The definition largely depends on where a person is and what they have constructed “youth” to mean. It is defined as a social construct so frequently because people give it parameters, as they do adulthood. People decide who is eligible to be a part of that categor...
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...litative Report, Vol 18.37, p1-12
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The young people are now able to embrace the constitution and civic education courtesy of the 26th amendment. Most of the 18-year olds become more responsible and start acting as adults who put matters of national concern into great consideration. The young people are able to exchange nationalistic ideas and come up with solutions to some of the matters affecting the nation. The flexibility of the constitution has inspired patriotism especially from the younger generations who identify with it because it is tailored to cater for their ever-changing needs and challenges. Many of the young people are able to participate in measures taken by the government in times of calamity such as hurricanes through volunteering as rescuers or giving contributions to the people affected by such
Widdicombe, S and Wooffitt, R. (1995) The language of youth subcultures: social identity in action. London: Harvester Wheatsheaf.
It is ironic that how some children are able to present themselves more mature than adults. The youth of the generation is becoming more mature and are developing adult skills faster than ever. People are beginning to wonder about the age of adulthood and how it should be determined. This controversy beleaguers around privileges such as drinking, driving, and voting. According to the article What is the Age of Responsibility by Alan Greenblatt, society determines that a person is an adult through customary rites, legal rights, and one’s responsibilities. However, I believe that the best way to adulthood is shown through one’s obligation for their priorities and work.
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Knowles' book focuses on the adolescent period of life. Adolescence is a very confusing time of life, primarily because a person fluctuates from wanting to be a child and being innocent to wanting to be an adult and questioning life. Knowles emphasizes that both worlds of adolescent and adult life share many similarities and overlap often--they are not separate entities. Even in the green, neatly kept paradise of Devon School, there existed some areas of uncontrolled wilderness.
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Emerging Adulthood represents the period of development from late teens through their twenties, mainly focusing on the ages 18-25. This is the period which people start exploring and realizing the capabilities of their lives, which then helps them characterize as adults and no longer teenagers. This topic of psychology is compelling to me because it’s a stage that every adult has lived through, it’s interesting that we have all experienced it differently based on our life circumstances and demographics. It’s interesting to see the changes throughout the years and eventually it will be easier for young people to explore these years as more young adults are going to school nowadays. It teaches me to further understand why emerging adults go through
Extensive demographic and cultural shifts have taken place over the past few decades that have made late adolescence and early twenties into a new transitional developmental period known as emerging adulthood for young individuals across industrialized societies. Arnett (2000) argues that emerging adulthood is a “distinct period of the life course” that is “characterized by change and exploration of possible life directions” (469). Additionally, a critical area of identity exploration during emerging adulthood is love and romantic relationships. Arnett contends that “demographic changes in the timing of marriage and parenthood in recent decades has led to prolonged periods of adolescence and delayed adulthood transitions” (470). By postponing
In all these deluge of grim report of the state of the youth, a look in history
Young people of every language and culture a high and exhilarating task awaits for them; that of becoming men and women capable of solidarity, peace and love of life, with respect for everyone. Teens need to become craftsmen of a new humanity, where brothers and sisters, members all of the same family, are able to live in peace. This is a possible goal if teens are willing and wanting to make a change.
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Research has suggested that youth of today are taking longer to complete the transition into adulthood. Twenty-five years ago youth had more of a traditional model of transition, whereas today, the transition seems somewhat fractured. Changes in education and the benefit system may be responsible for the altered state of transition in current youth, (Keep, 2011) which is an assumption that will be investigated further. Therefore, this essay will explore youth transition and will look at how the restructuring of polices and legislations have affected youths transition in to adulthood. Additionally there will be some insight into whether these changes are responsible for the deterioration of the traditional transition model. Furthermore the manner in which political ideologies and perspectives have altered factors such as education, employment, housing and benefits will be examined. Once a full explanation has been provided; the fundamental question that needs to be answered is; are the teenagers of today embattled or empowered?
Youth of today are taking longer to complete the transition into adulthood compared to youth of twenty-five years ago. Changes in education and the benefit system may be responsible for the altered state of transition in current youth (Keep, 2011) which is an assumption that will be explored. In regards to this; this essay will cover youth transition and will look at how the restructuring of polices and legislations have affected youths transition in to adulthood. Furthermore the manner in which political ideologies and perspectives have altered factors such as education, employment, housing and benefits will be examined. Once a full explanation has been provided; the fundamental question that needs to be answered is; are the teenagers of today embattled or empowered?
...andle their issues includes individuals, organizations, and institutions, especially at the community level that provide active support for the growing capacity of young people.
Youth are not only the leaders of tomorrow, but also the partners of today. Young people are social actors of change and progress. They are a crucial segment of a nation’s development. Their contribution, therefore, is highly needed.