Adolescents Commune Cabrero region of Bío-Bío, Chile: fragments of a rural identity in transition

Abstract

The following research, pretends to denominate the risk and protective behaviors among teenager population in the small city of Cabrero, with the purpose to relate the practices and educational policies with the social reality that teenagers live, the ways they have to face the troubles and emptyness, which needs to be shown from a local and national policy. In order to that, the present study was made with a descriptive view, by mean of a survey to a representative random sample. After that interviews were made in order to deepen over the findings. The main observed risk behaviors are detected on the relational field, as seen on difficult to establish fluent and effective communication with teachers, family and their mates, with has as consequence on the last two with presence of violence. The consumption or abuse of substances as alcohol, marijuana and snuff, so as the premature sexual intercourse are rarely observed, however, there is a high level of misinformation and lack of sexual education.

Is possible to appreciate some conflicts on the identity construction, because of the local cultural elements gets into confrontation with the urban young culture, which they observe in the mass media. However, presents several important protective factors that enhance it.