Adolescent Mobility around the City: Motives, Opportunities, and Limitations

Abstract

This paper studies adolescent use of the urban space in Russia. A large number of studies have shown the relationship between the development of personal autonomy, psychological well-being, and the ability to master the physical environment. The paper describes the positive effects of independent mobility in childhood and adolescence, and the factors that contribute to reducing and limiting adolescents’ independent mobility. To update ideas about the subjective meanings and values of independent movement in adolescence, a pilot study was conducted of interviews with 13 respondents aged 10–15. The interviews discussed the main motivations for going outside; restrictions that prevent adolescents from using the urban space, including situations that cause concern, parental control and sanctions that occur after violating agreements with parents; and the resources that promote successful independent movement. The respondents consider independent movement to be a valuable experience and a necessary condition for their own personal development, and emphasize the need for parental control to help them stay safe. The pilot study shows that for the timely and safe development of an adolescent’s autonomy, a balance is needed between the requirements and expectations of the family and the adolescents’ willingness to take responsibility and learn new skills. Despite the limited and homogeneous sample of respondents, in which there are no adolescents who lack parental attention or who have premature or excessive access to independent mobility, the study and the results obtained are important for understanding how adolescents use the urban space and what potential for personal development it can have. A proposal is suggested to extend the study, investigating the cross-town movements of adolescents with the participation of respondents with diverse cultural and social backgrounds, and examine the contribution of this experience to personal autonomy and self-determination in adolescents.