Final answer:
Adolescence in modern western societies is a cultural construct that encompasses the years between childhood and adulthood, characterized by significant physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
In modern western societies, adolescence is a cultural construct. Before industrialization, children were considered adults when they reached physical maturity. However, today we have a prolonged period between childhood and adulthood known as adolescence. This period begins at puberty and ends at emerging adulthood, typically between the ages of 12 and 18. During adolescence, significant physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes occur. It is seen as a time to develop independence while staying connected to parents.