Adolescence in Revolt: Permissiveness, Betrayal and Integration

Abstract

Western society is aware of a change in the fabric of its moral structure, apparently emanating from the area of adolescence. The politics of permissiveness has led to an exaggerated splitting of the generations, and a realisation that new freedoms have not necessarily brought with them a sense of fulfilment, peace and justification. These phenomena of our age can be approached, using psychological concepts. Community attitudes toward permissiveness are examined. The changes within society are examined in terms of their intrapsychic processes. Permissiveness is seen as the outcome of broken trusts between parent and child. Disenchantment with the parental figures of society, and a failure to identify with them, precipitates regression of sexual and aggressive drives. The lifting of moral taboos discloses an awareness in the young of the basic problem of helplessness and weakness, mystification and confusion. Behind the problems of guilt and depression, lie the difficulties that result in isolation and withdrawal.