Population Research CenterThe University of Texas at Austin
You Were Right and Your Parents Were Wrong: Why High School Social Life Really Does Matter
in the Future
Dr. Robert Crosnoe
Department of Sociology & Population Research Center
Population Research CenterThe University of Texas at Austin
The Importance of Being “Real”
Not really. I…what I believe in is just be who you are. And I don’t really…like so many teens are affected by peer pressure and they give into it and whatever. I don’t… I just don’t feel that I should I be somebody else that other’s want me to be. I just like to be who I am and if nobody likes it, then oh well. (Sylvia, Latina 10th grader)
I haven’t really felt that way because I do…I always be myself. I don’t try and be anyone else…it is like it doesn’t really matter, because then you won’t be happy if you try and be someone else. (Wes, White 9th grader)
Population Research CenterThe University of Texas at Austin
The Two Sides of High School Formal Processes and Informal Processes
• Oh, people I meet, definitely (are the most important thing about school)…The school is just a big building with lots of people in it (Joshua, White 9th grader)
• But it was a picture of Friday after school after the bell rang and just down that long hallway that leads to the theatre. It’s just always packed with people. I think that’s kind of -- like, that’s just it…It’s just one big thing. That’s what kids kind of have to do. They have to be able to flow to everyone. (Christian, White 9th grader)
Population Research CenterThe University of Texas at Austin
The Two Sides of High School
Peer Culture of High School
Academic Progress
Personal/InterpersonalDevelopment
Population Research CenterThe University of Texas at Austin
From Timeless to Timely
Dramatic Changes in the U.S. Demography, School Organization, Information Technology, and Economic Structure Have Intensified the Consequences of the Social Side of Schooling for How Teenagers’ Lives Turn Out
Population Research CenterThe University of Texas at Austin
The Larger Context
5,000
7,000
9,000
11,000
13,000
15,000
17,000
19,000
1955 1965 1975 1985 1995 2005
Nu
mb
er o
f H
igh
Sch
oo
l S
tud
ents
(In
Th
ou
sand
s)
Number of High School Students (InThousands)
Demography of Teen Population
Population Research CenterThe University of Texas at Austin
The Larger Context Reorganization of American Education
9th
10th
11th
12th
Science Topics Chemistry
Adv. Science
Physics
Out Out
Out
Biology
Population Research CenterThe University of Texas at Austin
The Larger Context Explosion of Information Technology
facebook helps you connect and share with the people in your life.
Population Research CenterThe University of Texas at Austin
The Larger Context Restructuring of Global Economy
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
1975 1985 1995 2005
Ear
ning
s Pr
emiu
m o
f B
ache
rlor
's D
egre
e (i
n Pe
rcen
tage
)
Men
Women
Population Research CenterThe University of Texas at Austin
Lower Odds of College-Going Associated with Girls’ Obesity
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
All Schools Low-Body Size High Schools High-Body Size High Schools
Low
er O
dds
of C
olle
ge E
nrol
lmen
t (R
elat
ive
to N
on-O
bese
Gir
ls)
Population Research CenterThe University of Texas at Austin
The Final Picture
Perceived Social Marginalization: Feelings of Not
Fitting In
Fewer Valued Courses & Grades
Lower Odds of College-Going
Counterproductive Coping Mechanisms:
DepressionMarijuana Use
Truancy
Information Processing:Social Feedback & Social
Comparison
Identity Discrepancies: Actual/Ought &
Spoiling
Membership in Stigmatized Group:
Obesity & Same-Sex Attraction
Life Course Outcomes
Population Research CenterThe University of Texas at Austin
Other Examples
The Timing of Puberty
Drinking and School Context
Physical Attractiveness, Activities, and Grades
Population Research CenterThe University of Texas at Austin
Take Home Points
The Futility of Separation
Short Term Protections vs. Long Term Risks
Policy Implications• NCLB disaggregation• Health services• Extracurriculum• Redefining arts curriculum• No bad choices