Social redefinition is the process of a person’s social status changing from one role to another, often accompanied by new rights, responsibilities, and expectations. This process can vary significantly from one society to another due to cultural, historical, and economic factors.

Inventionists argue that adolescence is a relatively new social construct that emerged as a result of industrialization and other societal changes. They contend that before the 19th century, children were quickly transitioned into adult roles without a distinct adolescent period.

Prior to the 19th century, children were often expected to contribute to the family’s livelihood at a young age. They might work in agriculture, trades, or domestic labor. Crime rates among young people were likely lower, as children were closely supervised by their families and communities. Education was primarily informal and often limited to basic skills.

Industrialization brought significant changes in jobs, crime, and education. With the rise of factories and industries, many young people left their homes to work in urban environments. This led to increased opportunities for crime and delinquency. At the same time, the growth of public education systems created new opportunities for adolescents to acquire formal education.

The word “teenagers” connotes a distinct social group characterized by their age and experiences. It implies a period of transition between childhood and adulthood. Prior to industrialization, the term “youth” referred to a more general age group that encompassed adolescents and young adults. Today, it can refer to a broader range of ages, including young adults and even children.

Social redefinition at adolescence typically involves a dual-sided change in social status in both roles and expectations. Status changes of this sort can occur in the interpersonal, political, economic, and legal domains. For example, adolescents may gain more autonomy from their parents but also face new responsibilities, such as finding a job or attending college.

Extrusion refers to the practice of excluding adolescents from adult activities or decision-making processes. Brother-sister avoidance is a cultural practice that restricts interaction between brothers and sisters after a certain age. Scarification is a ritual practice that involves cutting or marking the skin, often as part of a rite of passage.

An initiation ceremony provides a symbolic transition from one social status to another. It can involve rituals, tests, or challenges that mark the individual’s new role. Examples of initiation ceremonies include bar mitzvahs, quinceañeras, and coming-of-age ceremonies in various cultures.

Adolescents have been referred to as the “marginal man” because they often occupy a liminal position between childhood and adulthood. They may feel disconnected from both adult and child social groups.

Compared with contemporary youth, adolescents living in the late 19th century underwent family-related transitions earlier. They were often expected to leave home to work or marry at a younger age. School and work-related transitions were also more abrupt, as there were fewer opportunities for formal education and training.

The difference between continuous and discontinuous transitions lies in the degree of overlap between the old and new roles. Continuous transitions involve a gradual shift from one role to another, while discontinuous transitions involve a more abrupt change. The discontinuity of a school-to-work transition can be reduced by providing adequate vocational training, guidance, and support.

The vague and discontinuous nature of the transition through adolescence in contemporary society has contributed to feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, and identity crisis among young people. Certain ethnic groups may have more trouble negotiating the transition into adulthood due to cultural factors, socioeconomic disparities, or discrimination.