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Dasen, P. R. (2000). Rapid social change and the turmoil of adolescence: A cross-culturalperspective. International Journal of Group Tensions, 29(1-2), 17-49.
https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1005126629553
In the article Pierre R. Dasen examines the impact of rapid social transformation on adolescence,
exploring the experiences of youth across different cultures. Dasen begins by addressing the idea that
adolescence is often perceived in the West as a period of "storm and stress," marked by conflict and
emotional turmoil. This perspective, according to Dasen, is not universally applicable. He argues that
such difficulties are largely a product of specific social and cultural conditions, rather than inherent to
the developmental stage itself.
Dasen builds his argument using a cross-cultural lens, drawing from both ethnographic studies and
psychological research. He highlights that adolescence is a universal life stage, but the way it
manifests can vary significantly across societies. In traditional societies with strong cultural continuity,
such as those with clearly defined rites of passage and stable intergenerational relations, adolescence
tends to be a smoother transition. In contrast, societies experiencing rapid change—such as
urbanization, industrialization, and especially Westernization—tend to see more problematic
adolescent behaviors.
One of the core findings is that many of the challenges commonly associated with adolescence, such
as rebellion against authority and identity crises, are not inevitable. Instead, they emerge in societies
where rapid social change disrupts established cultural norms. For example, Westernization often
brings new expectations and values that conflict with traditional ones, leading to confusion and
conflict among youth. Dasen points out that in societies with an age-grade system or strong communal
ties, adolescents are more likely to receive clear guidance and support from older generations, helping
them integrate into adulthood without experiencing the turmoil seen in Western contexts.
Dasen also discusses how certain societies manage to avoid these issues despite experiencing social
changes. He notes that the key factors contributing to smoother adolescent transitions include
maintaining cultural identity, emphasizing family solidarity, and ensuring that adolescents are
gradually integrated into adult roles, particularly through involvement in the economic sphere. By
preserving these elements, societies can shield their youth from the stress that often accompanies
social upheaval.
In conclusion, Dasen argues that adolescence does not have to be a period of conflict. The extent of
adolescent turmoil is heavily influenced by cultural context and the speed and nature of societal
changes. Societies that retain core values and foster strong generational ties tend to experience less
adolescent conflict, even in times of rapid social transformation.
, Ember, C. R., Pitek, E., & Ringen, E. (2016). Adolescence. In Ember, C. R. (2016), Explaining
Human Culture. Human Relations Area Files. https://hraf.yale.edu/ehc/summaries/adolescence
only up to Explaining Male Initiation Rites
The article "Adolescence" by Ember, Pitek, and Ringen explores adolescence as a developmental stage
that is recognized in nearly all cultures, but its duration, expectations, and associated rituals vary
widely. Adolescence typically coincides with puberty, marking the transition from childhood to
adulthood. In some cultures, this stage is relatively brief, while in others, it can extend for several
years.
The authors highlight that adolescence is culturally constructed, with societal norms greatly
influencing the behavior expected of adolescents. In preindustrial societies, formal rites of passage
often signify entry into adolescence or adulthood. These initiation rites, common in simpler or middle-
range societies, help solidify the individual's new social status. Rites of passage often include specific
ceremonies that differ for boys and girls, typically centered around puberty. For boys, these
ceremonies frequently involve pain, fear, or circumcision, while girls' ceremonies may involve
seclusion.
Moreover, the study suggests that male initiation rites tend to be more community-oriented, involving
larger segments of society, while female rites often focus on the individual girl. These cultural
practices underline the importance of societal expectations in shaping the adolescent experience. The
role of such initiation rites, which are less common in complex societies, emphasizes the idea that
adolescence is not just a biological phase but also a significant social transition.
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