THEORIES OF ADOLESCENT
DEVELOPMENT
Ms. Maharaj
Adolescence is a journey marked by many changes in
development –physical and emotional changes
There are many theories in addition to what we
have studied that tries to explain:
“What is really going on here?|
Theorist: Eduard Spranger
Concept: Dominant Values
Details:
•

Focused on
Adolescence
for research
and studies

German
philosopher
•
He explained that adolescence mark
this period as a transition period from
childhood to adulthood with physical,
emotional and maturity changes
Dominant Value Direction is the coming
together of a young person’s view,
commitment to this view as the
“guideline” for their world and moves
that forward into adulthood
 E.g.
Craig Keilburger (Social Justice)
Spranger and his 3 basic
characteristics of behaviour in Teens


Rebirth occurs as a sign of maturity --the “AHA! Moment”
Acceptance of societies norms- cultural values and ideas
 Giving

up your seat on the TTC to the Elderly, pregnant etc
Self control and discipline becomes part of the teen’s job
of behaviour management--- they can control and
sanction themselves.
Theorist: Leta Stetter
Concept: Gradual Changes to Adulthood
Details:
American
Psychologist
Argues
against
Stanley Hall–
we learnt
about him
yesterday--youth as
confused and
contrary
individuals


She believed that ADL went through
gradual, continual and calm
development into adulthood
She proposed there weren’t stages but
the experience as a journey and
changes were noticeable along that
journey
Theorist: Kurt Lewin
Concept: (Field) Theory of Adolescence
Details:
German
Psychologist
•
Looked at
groups in adl.
Because so
important to
who we are
and become

•

Attempts to explain a person’s individual
behaviour without generalizing and
creating myths and stereotypes (E.g. no
self control)
Social Group membership changes in this
stage of life and the adolescent has to
choose their membership from child group
to adult– this is a frustrating process to
find their position now within the group

E.g. Think about transition from High School to
Uni or College--- big fry vs. small fry
The other perspectives

Structural Functionalism
 Structures
in society
exist to serve members
 Role as student is
accepted in institutions
where skills are being
taught for success later
on in the next stage
 Must all learn so that
we fulfill “the job” so
society functions well

Conflict Theory
 Power/wealth
is basis
for relationships and
will have it’s conflict
always
 Socio-economic status
in teen years assert
importance
Other perspectives
Feminist Theory

Conflict as a result of
inequalities with
gender
 Female
teens faced
with barriers for
career/negotiating
expectations
Symbolic Interactionism

We all play a role in
society, it is the
interpretation and value
of the perceived role
that maintains order

Recognize self as part of
a family or society,
working towards the
greater good
Continued….
Social Exchange Theory

We weigh pros and
cons of belonging or
participating in any
group and take into
account social
relationships
 This
forces conformity
to group behaviour
without the objective
look at self because
haven’t done the work
of weighing pros and
cons.
Now….

Reading, Analysis and Discussion

The Baby Boomers….. Are we doomed!?