Teen Life around the World – serie

Are teenagers in Tokyo more or less mature than teens in Brooklyn? What do Chinese teens do for weekend recreation? What do they value and care about? This volume shows that the lives of teens in prosperous and westernized Asian countries have much in common with those of American teens. Obtaining a good education is paramount, and Asian interests and tastes—in pop culture and sports, for example—are in sync with their American counterparts.In poorer and politically restricted Asian nations, teen life and opportunities are more restricted, however. Greater focus and energy is given to helping the family survive. Yet it is the ancient cultural and religious traditions in Asian life that constitute the fundamental difference between American and Asian teens. This book is an insightful and sweeping introduction to the Asian teen experience—from a typical day to participation in religious ceremonies—in 15 countries.

This unique volume offers unprecedented insight into the typical day, interests, and familial, social, and cultural lives of Middle Eastern teens. Each chapter includes a resource guide to teach teens more about the 11 profiled countries: Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestinian territories, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Numerous photos accompany the text. This book provides teen readers in the West with a window into the everyday lives of their counterparts in the East, fostering a better understanding of both their similarities and differences.The current population of the Middle East is young, and their future is critical in our worldview. Teen life in the Middle East is marked by extremes. In some countries, especially those that are Westernized, teens share the benefits of globalization with material and social comforts such as private schooling and vacations abroad. In other countries, political instability, religious and cultural repression, war and occupation, earthquakes, and poverty are ongoing crises. Many teenagers must endure a difficult, and sometimes nearly impossible, path to adulthood.

Teens in Latin America and the Caribbean generally face a difficult path to adulthood. Poverty and unemployment, violence, political instability, and emigration are frequently the norm in their native countries. Those from poorer families must often work as well as attend school, and opportunities for higher education and good jobs are limited. Wealthier teens, on the other hand, are sheltered from harshness and enjoy private schools, vacations abroad, and access to American consumer products. Yet family is important no matter what the class, and most of these teens share a love of parties, music, and current fashions.Latin America and the Caribbean are important regions to the United States, since large numbers of Americans can trace their roots there. Teen Life in Latin America and the Caribbean allows U.S. teens to understand the unique challenges and opportunities of teens in 15 Latin American or Caribbean countries. Photos complement the text.

Thanks to its population growth rate, Africa has one of the highest numbers of teenagers in the world. Africa is a vast continent with 52 countries, thousands of languages and peoples, numerous religions, and a diverse landscape, but the teen life—covered here in 15 representative countries—still has basic commonalities. African teens can go to school, tend animal herds, serve as farm help, or learn a trade; they belong to large family networks and participate in communal activities; they enjoy sports and hanging out with friends; and they mix modern and Western influences, such as fashion, with more traditional values. This book explores the lives, cultures, and opportunities of African teens, offering students and general readers a substantial understanding of this important group._

Teens in European countries have a number of similarities. But, because Europe consists of such a diverse group of countries, differences do exist. These differences can be attributed to a variety of economies, geographies, and politics. American teens will find a special interest in the region, as it is the region in the world most similar to their own culture.Each chapter covers a country in the region, and is written by a native of that country. The 12 countries profiled are Denmark, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Malta, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and Turkey. Each chapter concludes with a resource guide providing print and electronic sources for additional research.