Abstract

In this lecture I will be drawing on material in my new book “The nature of adolescence: 4th Edn.” (2010), and I will be exploring the concept of agency as it applies to adolescent development. In the book I argue that two approaches to adolescence – the biological and the social constructionist view – are inadequate to explain a range of behaviours, and that a new approach is needed to take into account the fact that young people are clearly constructing their own paths through this developmental stage. I will draw on interview material collected specifically to include in the book, as well as what I consider to be very important recent research looking at such things as monitoring and supervision, and information management by young people. I will argue that the concept of agency in adolescence should inform the way adults relate to young people. Relationships should be bi-directional rather than uni-directional, and I will propose a partnership model of interaction which is necessary to plan effective interventions, to conduct better research and to forge more fruitful relationships with young people.