Photo 10: Dating

Photo 10: I took these pictures at a high school football game. I figured there would be good examples of teenage dating.

Sociological Perspective: How has dating changed from 50 years ago to today? How has dating become something that was done to find a husband to something that is done more for pleasure? How does society influence dating? Who has more power in a dating relationship these days? Who used to have the power? What aspects of modern society have made dating more convenient for teenagers?

Analysis: Whyte argues that dating is a relatively new institution and that we have a youth-driven pattern of courtship in American society. Prior to the turn of the century women had control of the "dating" scene when they "called" upon men for dates and "kept company" of a man. It was the woman's choice of who she wanted to date and there was parental supervision and approval. Today we have the modern corollary of dating and "going steady." There is very little if any adult supervision and rarely do parents get any say in who their child dates these days. With advancements in technology it has become easier for teenagers to sneak off and date each other. Consistent with the "old" days, however, I would argue that the sexual double standard still exists. This means that men are the sexual aggressors and out to get the women. Women however, are  to be not too unfriendly so men won't date them but not too friendly so they are seen as sluts. I think that today kids are dating a lot more frequently and often. Dating doesn't seem to be as serious of an issue and people don't seem to be as shy about it from what I see in the schools.