Thesis: The lifestyle of a teenager in the Middle Ages greatly contrasted with that of today’s American teenagers. Childhood terminated early for children during this epoch, with upper class girls marrying as young as 12 and boys as young as 14. Marriage partners were typically chosen by the parents rather than the individuals themselves. Children were anticipated to contribute to the family’s income as soon as they became capable.
During the Middle Ages, young individuals had limited choices regarding marriage, family, and personal autonomy compared to contemporary young adults. In those times, young people would marry, work, and engage in warfare, with a life expectancy of only around 25 years. Life was challenging and brief. Frequently, the young couple would not have previously met; the purpose of the marriage was typically to combine wealth or obtain a title, be it land or a position at the King’s Court.
If a teenager in the present day were to have an arranged marriage at 15, they would become extremely upset. Unlike the Middle Ages, most teens today do not hold the same respect for adult authorities. In the 1940s, we established a distinction between childhood and adulthood with the introduction of the term “teenager,” and the belief that individuals bear no responsibility from ages 13 to 18 is also a contemporary notion. “The 1950s marked the end of an era of innocence for teenagers.”
Despite the limited numbers, there are still genuine and well-behaved teenagers remaining. However, our current society does not allow children to fully experience their childhood. Teenagers are subjected to intense pressure and easily influenced by external factors. Paul Winspeare suggests that societal leaders do not adequately motivate or demonstrate enough concern, resulting in the misguided path of today’s youth. (Source: ‘Teenagers Then and Now’ The Commerce Wire)
