ABSTRACT
As in the developmental stages already discussed, there are both biological and cultural markers for the onset of adolescence. Reproductive maturity at puberty marks the biological transition from
childhood, although cultural markers of adolescence vary widely from society to society. In Western societies, there is typically an interval of 7-9 years between the biological and cultural markers of maturity. An important cultural marker is being free to marry without parental consent. Western societies require the young adult to master many skills in order to shoulder the social responsibilities that come with adulthood.
