Area of Science:

• Sociology of adolescence
• African studies
• Communication studies

Context:

• Focuses on Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) and Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
• Examines the influence of urbanization and the communication revolution on young adolescents (10-14 years)
• Considers the perceptions of adolescents and their parents/guardians

Purpose:

• To examine the opportunities, challenges, and risks associated with societal changes for adolescents
• To analyze how these changes and their related perceptions differ by gender
• To understand the gendered socialization of young adolescents in francophone Africa

Summary:

• Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 64 adolescents and their guardians
• Identifies increased autonomy, education, and information access as new opportunities
• Highlights gender-specific risks: increased sexual risks for girls, violence and alcohol consumption for boys

Impact:

• Societal transformations significantly influence gendered socialization processes
• Lifestyle changes and associated risks necessitate gender-tailored programs
• Leveraging communication tools can enhance adolescent access to information and mitigate risks