Why no teen builds a resilient identity alone
Who are you when you grow up feeling hungry, unsafe and excluded from opportunity? Who do you trust, and who do you turn to? Just how far does self-motivation take you in Tembisa, Umlazi or Nyanga?
The notion of identity formation is often perceived as a personal, intimate experience outside the realm of government concern. However, evidence reveals that adolescents' coherent and resilient identities are built by both the individuals themselves and the systems surrounding them, including local, provincial, and national governments.
An identity encompasses not only self-awareness and purpose but also the ability to turn to supportive people and services for assistance. These identity resources, such as agency, tenacity, and self-worth, develop through interactions with caring individuals and supportive systems, fostering a stable sense of self and the belief that one can overcome life's challenges.
In South African townships, where conditions often include high stress, crime, poverty, and limited opportunities, young people's identity development is hindered by these compounded challenges. Evidence suggests that when facing such adversity, relying solely on personal strengths can leave adolescents vulnerable to psychological distress, risky behaviors, and other negative outcomes.
However, when young people's identity resources are complemented by supportive family, peer connections, and welcoming environments, they are more likely to feel secure in their identities. This recognition of the crucial role played by supportive systems in adolescent identity formation has gained traction in civil society discussions, but it has yet to be fully integrated into national policies and state-led interventions.
The South African government's acknowledgment of adolescent identity development as a top priority in the National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children (NSAAC) underscores the importance of a whole-of-society approach to supporting young people's wellbeing. By acknowledging the significance of identity development and fostering connections between young people and the systems that surround them, policymakers can help create a foundation for healthier, more resilient individuals and communities.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Maverick's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
