Teacher’s Summary: In “The Impact of Societal Ethics, Family Beliefs, and Adolescent Development on Teenage Decision-Making,” Alex, a 10th grade honor student, delves into the complex factors influencing teens. This article examines how societal norms, family values, and cognitive development interact to shape the decisions made by adolescents. Through case studies and literary examples, Alex highlights the pressures and conflicts teens face, offering insights into the delicate balance required for thoughtful decision-making.
The Impact of Societal Ethics, Family Beliefs, and Adolescent Development on Teenage Decision-Making
Introduction
Life is a series of decisions, each with the potential to shape our future. For teenagers, this decision-making process is particularly complex, influenced by various factors including societal norms, family values, and their own developing minds. This paper explores how these elements interplay to affect the choices made by adolescents.
Societal Ethics and Their Influence
The Nature of Societal Ethics
Societal ethics form the foundation of what a community deems right or wrong. As noted on the Allphilosophy website, “Right or wrong is relative. It is defined by the principles we share in common.” These principles are instilled throughout our lives but can be challenged by external pressures.
Case Study: Ethics in Action
An illustrative example comes from an EL PAIS article about a teenage girl who reported her parents for growing marijuana. Despite family ties, the daughter’s decision was guided by societal norms that deemed her parents’ actions illegal. This case demonstrates how societal ethics can override family loyalty in adolescent decision-making.
The Role of Family in Shaping Decisions
Family as a Moral Compass
Family often serves as the primary source of values and life lessons for teenagers. Parental actions and beliefs frequently become the template for a child’s own decision-making process.
Conflicting Loyalties: A Literary Example
William Faulkner’s “Barn Burning” provides a poignant example of familial influence conflicting with societal norms. The protagonist, a young boy, grapples with the knowledge of his father’s crimes. His internal struggle is evident when he thinks, “I could run away on and on and never look back, never need to see his face again. Only I can’t.” This dilemma highlights the complex interplay between family loyalty and moral conscience in teenage decision-making.
The Adolescent Mind: A Crucial Factor
Self-Centeredness and Personal Fables
The teenage years are characterized by significant cognitive development, often accompanied by a sense of egocentrism. This can manifest as self-centeredness and a belief in personal invulnerability, sometimes referred to as the “personal fable.”
Impact on Decision-Making
This developmental stage can lead to risky behavior, as teenagers may believe they are immune to negative consequences. For instance, a teenage girl might engage in unprotected sex, believing she is uniquely protected from the possibility of pregnancy.
Balancing Influences in Decision-Making
The Interplay of Factors
Teenagers must navigate the often-conflicting influences of societal norms, family values, and their own developing minds. Each factor can exert significant pressure on the decision-making process.
The Importance of Supportive Environments
Given the complexity of these influences, it’s crucial for teenagers to have supportive environments that encourage thoughtful decision-making. This can involve open communication with family members, education about societal norms and consequences, and guidance in developing critical thinking skills.
Conclusion
The decision-making process for teenagers is a complex interplay of societal ethics, family beliefs, and adolescent cognitive development. Understanding these factors can help both teenagers and adults navigate this challenging period more effectively. As teenagers grow and mature, they must learn to balance these influences to make informed, responsible decisions that align with both their personal values and societal expectations.
References
- Del Pino, J. (1998). Hay un Monton de droga encase. EL PAIS.
- Faulkner, W. (1939). Barn Burning.
- University of New Hampshire. (n.d.). Family Developing Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://extension.unh.edu/family/Parent/teenpubs/teenthnk.pdf
- AllPhilosophy. (n.d.). Ethics and Morality. Retrieved from https://allphilosophy.com/topic/2048