Many teenagers, during the Great Depression, received all the affection and suffered. Some were left hungry, impoverished and hopeless. How are today's teenagers compared? The 1930s were a time of great distress for many Americans. Events such as the stock market crash, an inflated economy, overuse of credit, an agricultural crisis, and other events led America to the economic collapse known as the Great Depression. During the Great Depression, unemployment was high, wages were low, lines stretched across the city for food, families who had lost their homes had to live in makeshift homes in communities called Hoovervilles, and children had to stop school to work for money. Teenagers affected by the Great Depression worked hard for low wages to try to put food on their family's table. Today, teenagers are greedy and live a very carefree lifestyle with the financial stability of their families. As you can see, teenagers of the Great Depression differ greatly from those of today. Adolescents of the Great Depression compare and contrast socially with adolescents today. During the Great Depression, teenagers affected by the Great Depression had no time to socialize with their friends or other children. Most teenagers, affected by the Great Depression, dropped out of school and were unable to talk or play with their friends. Instead they held low-paid jobs or took care of the home while their parents were at work helping with the family's problems. Those who were able to talk to friends talked about getting money for food, clothing and paying bills rather than other topics. When they spoke to adults, they mostly asked for work, money, or food, as when they sent letters to Eleanor Roosevelt for items they needed or mon... middle of paper... eBay, even if credit was used during the Great Depression: Teens used credit/debit cards to purchase items, and teens can purchase items over the Internet with PayPal. This is how teens during the Great Depression compare economically to teens today. The Great Depression was a difficult time for everyone, especially teenagers. Teens who endured the Great Depression are comparable to today's teens in many ways. Socially, adolescents in the Great Depression and adolescents share and differ in many traits. Teenagers who were during the Great Depression have many similarities and cultural differences with teenagers today. Teens of the Great Depression and teens today compare and contrast in multiple ways. Although there is an 80 year time difference, it is safe to conclude that teenagers do not and during the Great Depression are confronted in many ways.