Chapter 1, Section 2

Question 1

(Adolescence in the US)

What are contexts?

Answer 1

Contexts are the settings in which development occurs; they are influenced by
historical, economic, social, and cultural factors.

Question 2

(Adolescence in the US)

What is social policy?

Answer 2

Social policy is the course of
action designed by the national government to influence the welfare of its citizens. Currently, many researchers in adolescent development are attempting to design
studies whose results will lead to wise and effective social policy decision making
(Larson & Angus, 2011)

Question 3

(Adolescence in the US)

According to Peter Benson and his colleagues

Answer 3

the United States needs a developmentally attentive youth
policy, which would emphasize “the family, neighborhood, school, youth organiza-
tion, places of work, and congregations as policy intervention points. Transforming
schools into more developmentally rich settings, building linkages across multiple
socializing institutions, launching community-wide initiatives organized around a
shared vision of strength building, and expanding funding for quality out-of-school
programs”.

Question 4

(Adolescence in the US)

In a recent survey, only 20 percent of U.S. 15-year-olds reported that

Answer 4

they have had meaningful relationships outside of their family that help them to succeed in life (Search Institute, 2010).