Most teenage girls cherish the moments when they begin to reach puberty. Reaching puberty means a lot to them: they are now considered women; that is, where their bodies are now capable of reproducing. Reaching puberty not only signifies maturity or the ability to reproduce, but also a major hormonal change that can lead to sexual maturation. Additionally, puberty also comes with major physical growth and brain development; which is still a diminutive for minor. One of the major attributes of puberty is that it improves the body. Due to the physical attributes that adolescent girls develop as a result of puberty or maturity, they now appear as true adults or are now considered fair game for both adults and juveniles. While according to the law, having sex, assault or anything of the nature, with a minor (minor), is considered statutory rape. Although sex cannot be forced or coerced, it is legally considered nonconsensual under the statutory rape code. Different states approach sex with minors differently, based on current rape law, some states are working diligently to improve how rape laws are applied to offenders, while others are woefully lacking on the issue, which leads to mutinous social problems. There are serious concerns about the frequency of teenage pregnancies in the United States. There is probably some correlation between teenage pregnancy, the poor economy, and the social difficulties of young adults. Adolescent girls are less likely to use contraceptive methods than older women. In relation to Criminology The Core, Ed 4 (p. 46), states that according to cultural changes, "In contemporary society, cultural change, such as increasing...... middle of paper .... .. the emotional void that they did not have.” Additionally, one teen responded to Dworsky's question as to why he responded, "Why wait?" Wait for what? I’m not going to college.” According to one of the subsegments of developmental theory, life course fundamentals (theories), even as toddlers, people begin relationships and behaviors that will determine their adult life course. However, some are unable to mature in a reasonable and timely manner due to family, environmental, or personal problems. In some cases, transitions may occur too early, such as when a teenage girl who had early sexual relations becomes pregnant and is forced to drop out of high school. Life course theory also emphasizes that as people grow, the factors that influence their behavior change if their environment changes for the better. (Criminology, The Core, 4th edition, page 227-228).