Parent-Child Relations in Sub-Sahara Africa : Adolescent Development of Social Competence

Definitions of Adolescents' Social Competence borrow heavily from Euro-American societies to include cognitive resources, balance between sociability and autonomy, as well as social skills for effective relationships. A major component of competence - self-esteem, functions as a basis for socially adaptive behaviors that provide children with sufficient self-confidence to engage and build on their social relationships. Sub-Saharan Africa is exemplified by traditional, collectivistic, non-technological societies that emphasize respect for elders, close family ties, extended family kin, and reverence for ancestors. Puberty rites of passage are prevalent among many groups. Such qualities suggest a different conception of the state of adolescence and specific competences relevant to families and youth in the region. The overarching goal is to explore relations between adolescents' perceptions of their parents behaviors and their social competence in this case, self-esteem development. The author investigates the dynamics that generate socially adaptable traits for the youth and families in the Sub-Sahara Africa region.