Final answer:
American adolescents may view education as less crucial for future success due to economic changes, lack of support systems, and contrasting societal expectations. Particularly after the 2008 financial crisis, this perception has been influenced by witnessed instability and shifting values.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question posed addresses why today's youth may not place the same value on education as their parents did. It's important to consider the social and economic changes that have occurred over time, such as the 2008 financial crisis that instigated widespread unemployment and government distrust. This period of financial upheaval altered the perception of education's role in ensuring future success. Moreover, the text presents support systems — particularly the lack of them — as a critical factor in an individual's educational journey. High school students benefit from enforced attendance and consequences for truancy, which are support mechanisms not present at the college level. Additionally, societal expectations have shifted, and the pressures faced by today's youth can be different from those their parents experienced. Challenges faced by students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, such as contributing to the family income and lacking familial support for education, affect their views on education and its importance for their future success.
Given this context, the answer that best aligns with the details provided is that American adolescents perceive education as less crucial for future success (option c). This is because of the economic instability they have witnessed, contrasting expectations between social classes, and a de-emphasizing of education in favor of immediate financial contributions or autonomy which can be a response to the high dropout rates among first-generation college students and shifting cultural values.