Change in American youth

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32892, 15 April 1972, Page 11

Change in American youth

Rarely in American history has the society been more conscious of its young people than at the present time. After an era of “hippies,” campus rebellion, rioting, and'protest, subtle changes are occurring. Today’s American youth from ages 14 to 24, secondary school to university graduation, are more numerous, more prosperous, better educated, and more aware than before. Almost 50 per cent of United States secondary-

school graduates proceed to higher education. Although almost half of all Americans over 30 did not complete secondary school, fully 75 per cent of those in their late 20s did so, and 16 per cent of them have college or university degrees. They are also a prosperous group, with over one-third of students aged 16 to 21 working on part-time jobs. Their prosperity is partly a reflection of national trends, for despite the current economic recession, the median national income of United States families has now reached $lO,OOO. New car Experts estimate that college students alone have some $12,000 million to spend every year. Even teen-agers, as shown by recent studies, have an impressive buying power, with almost 90 per cent of them owning their own wirelesses, record players, and cameras, and 20 per cent owing their own cars. Surveys have also shown that teenagers can have direct influence upon their

parents’ purchasing habits involving a new car or television, or plans for a holiday. This is part of a wider teenage influence on American society at large, because it is a culture that stresses and idealises youth, in which half the population is under 27. Since American adolescent girls are very conscious of their appearance, it is perhaps not surprising that although they comprise only 11 per cent of the total female population, teen-age girls purchase almost 25 per cent of all cosmetic goods and 20 per cent of all women’s clothes sold. And with about 60 per cent of all first-time brides being in the teens, this has a direct effect on the sales of baby supplies, home appliances, and furniture. Rapid change But the present generation are the product of an age that has seen more rapid change than perhaps any two decades in American history. Many teachers note that today’s youth have no sense of history, no feeling for tradition. Everything for them has to be “instant”, or it is not deemed “relevant.” In their love of the word “relevant”, they seldom ask, “Relevant to what?”

It is from the past conflicts in the United States tradition that many of youth’s own psychological confusion and problems arise. For American culture today subjects youth to a conflict of norms more pervasive and deep-rooted than any in the nation’s history. The transition since 1900 to an urbanised, industrial, and technological society has upset the old values emanating from a small-town and rural heritage. And the last 10 years have also brought another area of tension for the young, revolving around Vietnam and conscription. • In the last two years, however, a transition has

occurred, one that may indicate a rising maturity and more realistic assessment of their society. In short, there are signs that the “youth revolt” has ended. Five years of enthusiastic rioting, demonstrations, and attacks upon all authority have yielded to a more serious time of second thoughts about their ability to change the world, attack the “Establishment," or to have all the answers to problems. Recent survey There is a continuing concern for the problems of the nation and the world. For example, a recent survey of students at 60 universities revealed that pollution has replaced Vietnam as their prime concern. Sixty-five per cent of the students polled placed it first, followed by Jh® war and population. When asked why anti-war demonstrations 'on campus had diminished, some students (28 per Cent) attributed mis to apathy and another 25 per cent doubted the effectiveness of demonstrations. Only 10 per cent said they were ready to demonstrate, even violently, if there was a possibility of stopping the Vietnam war. Protests are no longer fashionable.

One reason for this altered view, apart from the fact that their revolutionary idealism and zeal could not be sustained, is America’s current economic recession. Unemployment stands at 6 per cent much higher for teen-agers, and jobs are not nearly so plentiful as they were three years ago. Fewer business firms send recruiters to colleges, and in this altered situation the long-haired “hippie” youth is not sought after. Indulgent parents who once sent their children a weekly or monthly cheque are now curbing their generosity, as they themselves feel the impact of the slowing down of the economy. Academic authorities are be-

coming more stem with violators of the rules, and legislators who control college funds are using this power (with public support) to turn the institutions into centres of learning once more, after being recent hotbeds of political activism. Ail these factors have helped to create ■ a new atmosphere of maturity which gives hope for the future. The mood of rebellion was not a passing phase, but in the view of many observers represented deep yearnings for a better world, though without a sense of direction. More constructively, 50,000 have served in the Peace Corps overseas, and other thousands in V.I.S.T.A. (Volunteers in Service to America) at home. Ballot box Today many students feel that they can express themselves effectively through the ballot box, particularly since now for the first time with the 18-year-old vote they will be able to make their influence felt. America’s political parties may be shaped in future by their ability to attract the youth vote. Twenty-five million between 17 and 23 have it in their power to decide the outcome of an election. And yet, paradoxically, the actual future impact of youth on American society may be ebbing, because of the lower birth rates prevailing for the last 15 years. On the other hand, the number of young adults from 23 to 30 (the age for assuming job and family responsibilities) is expected to increase by one-third by 1980. America has for decades been obsessed and fascinated with youth and its values, but tiiis national love affair may be waning, with recent trends signifying a new cultural maturity from which all segments of the population may benefit.

This article is by Professor John E. Owen, department of sociology, Arizona State University.