ADOLESCENT IDENTITY

Globalization Poses Challenges for Adolescents

    Increasingly Diverse Range of Possible Identities
    Increasing Difficulties in Establishing Viable Identity

Review of Globalization

    Free Markets ==> Consumerism and Individualism
    Urban Areas Affected More Than Rural Areas
    Clash of Global and Traditional Cultures and Values
    Source of Opportunities and Problems

How Does Globalization Transform Identity?
    
    Adaptation to Both Global and Local Cultures in Transition

    Bicultural Identity – Common Adaptation

        Part of Identity Reflects Global Culture
        
            TV, Internet
       
        Part of Identity Reflects Local Culture
    
            Family, Friends, Community

        Case of India
        
            High-tech Economy Led by Educated Youth
            Preference for Arranged Marriage

            Hybrid, Unified Identity Mirrors Local Culture in Flux

    Identity Confusion – Non-adaptation

        At Home neither in Global nor Local Cultures
        
            Global Culture out of Reach
            Value of Local Culture Weakened
            
        Outcomes

            Displacement
            Marginalization     
            “Culture Shredding”
            Acculturative Stress
            Cultural Distance

        Case of Côte d’Ivoire

            Rise in Teen Addiction, Crime, and Suicide

    Self-selected Identity - Resistance

        Formation of Cultures with Like-minded Peers
    
        Culture Untainted by Globalization

            Ethnic
            Nationalistic
            Religious
    
        Truths that Counter Threat of Homogenization

            Always Conservative
            Dogmatic and Exclusionary
            Preserve Diversity

        Case of Samoa
    
            Revival of Traditional Rite of Passage

Spread of Emerging Adulthood – Process Issue

    Transition to Adult Roles Occurring Later
        
        18-25 Years

    Characteristic of

        Service-oriented Societies
        Middle-class Youth in Developing World

    Labor of Youth not Needed in Above Conditions

    Education to Prepare for Global Economy

        Bachelors and Graduate Degrees
        Delayed Entry into Workforce

    Traditional Hierarchies Weaker
    
        Increased Agency over Life Choices
        
            Marriage and Parenthood

    Expanded Options/Opportunities to Explore

        Discover Oneself and the World
        Instability in Jobs and Love Partners            
    
DISCUSSION:

➢    What is the “secret” to achieving a bicultural identity?

➢    Is identity confusion more likely when the process of globalization is the most rapid?

➢    What attracts some teens to a self-selected culture/identity?

➢    What are your views on emerging adulthood in the U.S.?