Life Styles of Puerto Rico's Youth.

A representative sampling of male Puerto Rican youths was studied in order to analyze post-counterculture attitudes toward family, society, school, drugs, use of leisure time and future aspirations. The counterculture of the 1960s is described, with the implication that changes brought about by this movement influenced current youth attitudes in Puerto Rico. Attitudes toward family are described in terms of satisfaction, the mother's role, discipline and family shared activity. Attitudes toward society are discussed in relation to the present socioeconomic crisis in Puerto Rico, rebellion against authority conflicts with adults, views of adulthood, religion and cultural identity. Personal problems, social atmosphere, self discipline, self responsibility, curriculum and material facilities are used to evaluate school attitudes while diversity of activities and student preferences are used to examine the use of leisure time. Future aspirations are discussed in terms of "world views," sexual liberation, materialism and future education plans. In addition, drug experimentation and drug abuse among Puerto Rican youth are considered in the context of the countercultural movement. Tables indicating study findings, a sample questionnaire (in Spanish), and a list of references are also included. (EB)