Deconstructing adolescence

Abstract

In this chapter I approach adolescence as social category, not a sociobiological stage, and show how the category itself, along with all its occupants, has turned into a perpetual social problem. In the discussion I address the criminalization of youth, the problems around youth sexuality, the dilemmas associated with drugs and alcohol, and the commercialization of youth identity. My argument overall is that the solution to adolescence as a social problem does not start with adolescents but instead with adults. They have the power and resources to reorganize adolescent life, but the question is if they have the political will.