The life stage of adolescence now occurs in most corners of the world, but it takes different forms in different regions. Scholars from eight regions of the world describe the distinct nature of adolescence, drawing on research to address standard topics regarding this age and show how it has a different effect across societies. As a whole, the book depicts how rapid global change is dramatically altering the experience of the adolescent transition, creating new opportunities and challenges for adolescents, parents, teachers, and professionals.

How will the experience of adolescence be affected by key societal phenomena--demographic trends, information technology, environmental degredation, and advances in medicine and genetics? This important volume identifies such ominous changes as unstable job markets and widening income gaps, while at the same time observing opportunities created by information technology and innovations in health service delivery. Knowledgeable projections are vital in shaping research agendas and for alerting educators, policy makers, and practitioners to new issues in adolescent development.