Introduction: Comments on the Individualization Theorem / Georg Neubauer and Klaus Hurrelmann -- 1. The Role of Individualization Theory in Adolescent Socialization / Wilhelm Heitmeyer and Thomas Olk -- 2. Childhood Between Individualization and Institutionalization / Heinz Sunker -- 3. Health Impairments in Adolescence: The Biopsychosocial "Costs" of Modern Life-Style / Klaus Hurrelmann and Jennifer L. Maggs -- 4. Youth and Politics: Destabilization of Political Orientations / Wilhelm Heitmeyer, Kurt Moller and Gertrud Siller -- 5. The Syndrome of Right-Wing Extremism Among School Children -- An East-West Comparison / Wolfgang Melzer -- 6. Are Girls Less Political Than Boys? Research Strategies and Concepts for Gender Studies on 9 to 12-Years-Olds / Juliane Jacobi -- 7. Individualized Life Plans and Concepts of Partnership During Adolescence / George Neubauer