Developmental Tasks in Adolescence

<p>The topic of adolescent development in Europe is one which has received little academic attention in recent years. <i>Developmental Tasks in Adolescence </i>makes an exciting contribution to the field by applying socialisation theory to four major developmental tasks of life: Qualifying Bonding Consumption and Participation arguing that if the tasks in these areas are mastered then personal individuation and social integration can take place a prerequisite for the formation of self-identity. </p><p>In highly developed societies adolescence encompasses a period of about 15 years on average. Puberty or the transition from childhood starts earlier and earlier and the transition to adulthood is increasingly postponed. <i>Developmental Tasks in Adolescence </i>proposes that the way in which adolescents master the tasks of everyday life has become a pattern of orientation for the life stages which follow because of the new lifestyle requirements that are typical for modern democratic societies. Today a life full of uncertainties and ambiguities is no longer limited to adolescence but rather continues into adulthood. </p><p>Hurrelmann and Quenzel's sociological approach<em> </em>is valuable reading for students and academics in psychology sociology education social work and youth studies and for those on professional training courses in these fields. </p>