Cultural Connotations of Adolescence and Future Challenges among Indian Adolescents

Abstract

Adolescence is the transitional stage of life. This transition involves biological, social, and psychological changes and is further complicated by the number of simultaneous nature of these changes. The present chapter attempts to deliberate the cultural connotation of the stage of adolescence and analyze the future challenges faced by Indian adolescents. In Indian context male and female adolescents have different experiences during adolescence as the cultural differences are vast with regard to their conduct and are based on traditional adult role stereotype. In some societies pubertal transitions are associated with the age of sexual maturity while in others these are associated with an age of religious responsibility. In many cultures and religions there are certain ceremonies to confirm puberty, and significant benefits and responsibilities are deciphered as direct outcome of this change. The codes prescribed in the ancient text of Dharamashastra are deeply rooted in the Indian psyche and continue to influence cultural practices towards adolescents in a powerful manner. Traditionally the onset of puberty is acknowledged by the family and new code of conduct is prescribed both for boys and girls. But in modern times the grip of traditional value system has loosened and it has got less definite. There is shift of family system i.e. from joint to nuclear family system. The influence of media and spread of ever pervasive modern day technological gadgets like mobiles, cameras, internet e.t.c has resulted in accelerating the process of demeaning the cultural traditions. The spread of diseases like AIDS/HIV/STD and rampant drug abuse has increased the vulnerability of adolescents’ manifolds. The present study suggests that there is urgent need to revive those cultural values and traditions which are helpful to increase the knowledge of adolescents about pubertal transitions and build the support system to cater the various dilemmas associated with adolescence.