Adolescence is a transitional stage of physical and psychological development that generally occurs during the period from puberty to legal adulthood (age of majority). Adolescence is usually associated with the teenage years,but its physical, psychological or cultural expressions may begin earlier and end later. For example, puberty now typically begins during preadolescence, particularly in females. Physical growth (particularly in males), and cognitive development can extend into the early twenties. Thus age provides only a rough marker of adolescence, and scholars have found it difficult to agree upon a precise definition of adolescence.
Adolescents’ capacities and opportunities vary, often dramatically, by age, gender, schooling, marital status, region and area (urban vs. rural) of residence and birth, and cultural affiliation. Understanding these diversities is critical to the development of relevant, targeted adolescent programs and policies. Much is at stake if programs are not properly targeted. The goals of these programs will not be met if they do not reach those with the greatest need. In fact, programs may inadvertently increase disadvantage by delivering services to those who need them least, while excluding those who need them most. The following tables highlight the basic differentials among adolescents’ experiences and opportunities. Youth policies, both those aimed at building capacity and those meant to mitigate the effects of poverty, must address the distinctive environments in which young people live. Close attention needs to be given to the differences between the social and economic circumstances of urban and rural areas. In cities and towns, key educational and health resources are more readily available than in rural villages. Cities also present a more diverse set of income-earning opportunities. But it is far from obvious that young people – especially those who are poor – are in a position to take advantage of these urban resources and opportunities. For the urban poor, school enrollment rates fall well below the rates of wealthier urban residents. In multiple dimensions of health, the urban poor hardly fare better than rural villagers. To some, the diversity of urban living standards may be seen in a positive light, suggesting possibilities for upward mobility. But to many poor girls and boys, this same diversity may be interpreted quite differently, as evidence of an unbridgeable gulf between their circumstances and those of the urban elites. The social risks of city life may jeopardize both poor young people and those who are better off, as is clear from higher urban rates of HIV and AIDS.
#AdolescentExperiences
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Publisher:
UNFPA
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(2006
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Type / Script:
Progress Report
in English
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Keywords:
ADOLESCENTS, TEENAGERS, ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY, YOUNG ADULTS, ADULTS, GENDER, AGE, CAPACITY AND DISABILITY, ADULT EDUCATION, EDUCATIONAL POLICY AND PLANNING, HEALTH EDUCATION, RIGHT TO EDUCATION, DEVELOPMENT POLICY, URBAN POPULATION , SETTLEMENT PLANNING, URBAN ENVIRONMENT, RURAL POPULATION, HUMAN ENVIRONMENT, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
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Thematic Group: UNFPA
:
Population studies
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Thesaurus:
08.02.00
- Family Planning
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Reference Link:
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