I have seen references to teenagers in some of the questions. However, my question is in regard to how adolescents and teenagers act in aboriginal (Leaver) cultures as opposed to modern (Taker) cultures, especially North American. The reason I ask is that I believe young people are the canaries in the mine and react according to the environments they're raised in. It's not news that youngsters in Taker societies have a very difficult time, and it seems to be getting worse. Have there been any studies comparing modern teen behavior to aboriginal teen behavior? Are teens in all cultures basically the same, or are there significant differences that point to cultural stressors? • Ishmael.org, the work & philosophy of Daniel Quinn

I have seen references to teenagers in some of the questions. However, my question is in regard to how adolescents and teenagers act in aboriginal (Leaver) cultures as opposed to modern (Taker) cultures, especially North American.

The reason I ask is that I believe young people are the canaries in the mine and react according to the environments they’re raised in. It’s not news that youngsters in Taker societies have a very difficult time, and it seems to be getting worse.

Have there been any studies comparing modern teen behavior to aboriginal teen behavior? Are teens in all cultures basically the same, or are there significant differences that point to cultural stressors?

There’s nothing in aboriginal societies that corresponds to our “teen culture.” Children are children until they’re initiated, usually around age 13 or 14, and then they’re not “teens,” they’re adults.

ID: 614
posted:
updated: 19 Jan 2003

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