Do Adults know better? Evaluating the Effectiveness of Adolescent Socialization Programs

Abstract

The article deals with the process of socialization of teenagers in difficult life situations in teenage centers established within the framework of the project of the Federal Center for the Development of Adolescent Socialization Programs. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of the conducted sociological research on the evaluation of the programs presenting a new concept of increasing the awareness of possible methods of organizing adolescent spaces. The author also analyzes the “blind spots” reducing the effectiveness of these programs. Based on this analysis the paper suggests some recommendations for further elaborating such programs. 141 programs aimed at socialization of teenagers were analyzed to develop the federal program. The study employs such methods as content analysis and expert panel. The research has revealed that inequality and ageism towards adolescents on the part of expert developers has a significant impact on the quality and the effectiveness of socialization programs. The theoretical framework of the study includes R. Oldenburg’s theory of the “third place”.