Sociology 150gm - Final take-home Paper - Sternheimer, Karen

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Sociology 150gm
Society is dynamics are always change to a new paradigm at most times; this makes cultures and behaviors to change. This change is brought by systemic factors which alter the general perspective of persons. This is more seen in teenagers who are in their crucial stage of discovering and identifying themselves (Sternheimer, 72). This paper tackles social issues in the light of systemic factors and how they influence the personal decisions made by individuals. It examines how systemic factors influence teen’s sexual behavior and use of legal and illegal substances.
Popular culture has at most times been an excuse for the moral and social decay for teenagers; Sternheimer tries to break the phobia that media is responsible for their sexual behavior and substance abuse. He proposes focusing of the real issues that systematically change the teenagers and form new generations. According to Loe, (46), college students from the U.S. have been raised in a generation where drugs are normally taken without prescription. In addition, the drugs are advertised openly to the consumer just like other product. Moreover, to get an admission to college remains very competitive and hence tempting them to use medication to enhance performance without doctor’s prescription.
Taking medication without prescription is a common occurrence and statistics show that one ine every four college student is involved. Some adopt this through friends i.e. peer pressure while others learn it through parents. Disorders such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), makes them take psychostimulant medications such as Ritalin and Adderall which they can get over the counter. This systemically molds the teens to adopt a lifestyle of taking legal drugs uncontrollably.
Teenage sexual activity is also controversial as some blame it on popular culture especially movies; however there is more than meets the eye given that the trends increase even after media campaigns against it. According to Risman & Schwartz (16) teenage conservatism on sexual activity remains misinterpr...