Teen+dating

 This article will talk about teen dating in the 1950’s. Dating is definitely an American phenomenon. Few other countries carry on this practice with as much fervor as Americans do. Then again, few other countries have the same social conditions as America. Since the turn of the century, there has been a greater freedom between man and women, for example both attend the same schools and the same classes. Both sexes become accustomed to the other at early ages, which is very conducive to the practice of dating (Merrill 61). Young teens are engaging in sex and in drugs now more than ever in my opinion. In fact most significant changes occurred in the 1950’s where sex and open relationships became more of a common thing. In the 1950’s I would say that teen dating might have been a bit more civilized. Parents might have been more aware of what their teen was up to. In the 1950’s when a couple would go on a date the parents would have to pay for transportation, which I do not think was right because if the couple wanted to go on a date then it would only be right if the guy/girl raised their own money. Now us teens have to practically beg our parents to let us hang out with some friends and specially when it comes to asking for money. Some places a date might have gone to back then would have been going to a malt shop, soda shop, sock hop which would be dance in where everybody could dance in their socks. Teens would sometimes go on double dates, or with a group of friends which still goes on today. In the 1950’s teen dating was actually taught in schools as part of the civics class. In the 1950’s emphasis was put on young people to attain maturity and assume responsibilities, which still go on today. Out parents expect us to take responsibilities for our actions and some would say, “If you are old enough to have a boyfriend, then you are old enough to assume your responsibilities. For many girls in the 50’s going steady would be a mark of success for them (Lucy Rollin 396). Parents often have a difficult time giving their son/daughter independence. It is very hard for them to let go off their child. Adolescence is a signal to your parents that you are growing up. When seeking for permission from your parents to date. Keep in mind these three things you need to have with your parent. Communication. Honesty and trust. Dating now for me is in a whole different level. What I hear now in couples talking about would be mostly sex. In the 1950’s boys were expected to have sex and girls were the ones that were expected to refrain from having sex. In the 50’s teenage girls would be taught how to take care of the household duties and to prepare themselves to be a wife and a mom. (Patricia Quiri 90). The most offensive part for parents in my opinion would be the music that us teens listen to now and the music that teens would listen to back then. It was a mix hip-hop and country music, and rock and roll. The music now and then might be an effect on what us teens face today.