socialization chapter 3. what is human nature? nature(heredity) versus nurture (social environment)...
TRANSCRIPT
What is Human Nature?What is Human Nature?
Nature(heredity) versus nurture (social environment)
Social Environment- the entire human environment, including direct contact w/ others
Nature(heredity) versus nurture (social environment)
Social Environment- the entire human environment, including direct contact w/ others
Feral ChildrenFeral Children
Def- children assumed to have been raised by animals, in the wilderness, isolated from other humans
‘The wild boy of Aveyron’ was found in the forests of France, taken to a lab & studied
He ‘walked’ on all fours, growled at small animals & devoured them uncooked
Def- children assumed to have been raised by animals, in the wilderness, isolated from other humans
‘The wild boy of Aveyron’ was found in the forests of France, taken to a lab & studied
He ‘walked’ on all fours, growled at small animals & devoured them uncooked
Isolated ChildrenIsolated Children
Children who grow up isolated from human contact
Isabelle was locked in the attic w/ her deaf mother. She was found at 6 & a half (with no language skills) & went through intense therapy, able to live out the rest of her life normally
Without language, there can be no culture- no shared way of life-& culture is the key to what people become
Children who grow up isolated from human contact
Isabelle was locked in the attic w/ her deaf mother. She was found at 6 & a half (with no language skills) & went through intense therapy, able to live out the rest of her life normally
Without language, there can be no culture- no shared way of life-& culture is the key to what people become
Institutionalized ChildrenInstitutionalized Children
What else is necessary for healthy development?
Studies were done on children in orphanages They had difficulty establishing close ties & had
lower than average I.Q.sThe study showed that those infants who were
assigned someone to care for & love them had higher IQs & had more success in life. Whereas those left at the orphanage did far worse
What else is necessary for healthy development?
Studies were done on children in orphanages They had difficulty establishing close ties & had
lower than average I.Q.sThe study showed that those infants who were
assigned someone to care for & love them had higher IQs & had more success in life. Whereas those left at the orphanage did far worse
The study was repeated in India w/ the same results. They added play & interaction to the activities for the children which increased the IQs even more
The study was repeated in India w/ the same results. They added play & interaction to the activities for the children which increased the IQs even more
The Case of GenieThe Case of GenieGenie was locked in a small room, by her
father, from the time she was 20mths to the age of 13. (her father may have caused the death of 2 of her siblings)
When found she couldn’t speak, didn’t know how to chew, was unable to stand upright, & couldn’t straighten her hands or legs. She had the intelligence of a 1 yr. old
After intense training she learned to walk, learned primitive language, took what ever she wanted, & went to the bathroom wherever she wanted. She was moved to an institution.
Genie was locked in a small room, by her father, from the time she was 20mths to the age of 13. (her father may have caused the death of 2 of her siblings)
When found she couldn’t speak, didn’t know how to chew, was unable to stand upright, & couldn’t straighten her hands or legs. She had the intelligence of a 1 yr. old
After intense training she learned to walk, learned primitive language, took what ever she wanted, & went to the bathroom wherever she wanted. She was moved to an institution.
What does Genie tell us?Language & human bonding MUST
take place before age 13 for it to effect their intelligence, ability to be sociable, & follow norms
Studies w/ animals showed that isolation for more than 6 mths. had a profound negative effect on animals.
There is a critical stage of learning- if it is missed it may be impossible to overcome
What does Genie tell us?Language & human bonding MUST
take place before age 13 for it to effect their intelligence, ability to be sociable, & follow norms
Studies w/ animals showed that isolation for more than 6 mths. had a profound negative effect on animals.
There is a critical stage of learning- if it is missed it may be impossible to overcome
Socialization into the Self & Mind
Socialization into the Self & Mind
Socialization- the process of which people learn that characteristics of their group- the knowledge, skills, attitudes, values, & actions thought appropriate for them
Self- the unique human capacity of being able to see ourselves ‘from the outside’; the views we internalize of how others see us
Socialization- the process of which people learn that characteristics of their group- the knowledge, skills, attitudes, values, & actions thought appropriate for them
Self- the unique human capacity of being able to see ourselves ‘from the outside’; the views we internalize of how others see us
Looking-Glass SelfLooking-Glass SelfDef- refers to the process by which our self
develops through internalizing others’ reaction to us. Developed by Cooley
3 ElementsWe imagine how we appear to those around usWe interpret others’ reactionsWe develop a self-concept
Although the self-concept begins in childhood, its development is an ongoing, lifelong process
Def- refers to the process by which our self develops through internalizing others’ reaction to us. Developed by Cooley
3 ElementsWe imagine how we appear to those around usWe interpret others’ reactionsWe develop a self-concept
Although the self-concept begins in childhood, its development is an ongoing, lifelong process
Mead & Role TakingMead & Role TakingTake the role of the other- putting oneself in
someone else’s shoes; understanding how someone else feels & thus anticipating how that person will act. Developed in childhood
Significant others- individuals who significantly influence our lives. First people that children role pay as.
Generalized Other- the norms, values, attitudes, & expectations of people, ‘in general’; the child’s ability to take the role of the generalized other is a significant step in the development of a self
Take the role of the other- putting oneself in someone else’s shoes; understanding how someone else feels & thus anticipating how that person will act. Developed in childhood
Significant others- individuals who significantly influence our lives. First people that children role pay as.
Generalized Other- the norms, values, attitudes, & expectations of people, ‘in general’; the child’s ability to take the role of the generalized other is a significant step in the development of a self
3 stages in taking the role of others1. Imitation- children under 32. Play- from age 3-6 - take on the role of
a specific person (Superman, Wonder Woman, etc) using costumes
3. Games- Organized play, learn to take multiple roles. ex. Baseball
The I and meThe I is the self as subject- the active,
spontaneous, creative partThe me is the self as object- made up of
attitudes we internalize from our interactions w/others
Ex. I shoved him. He shoved me.
3 stages in taking the role of others1. Imitation- children under 32. Play- from age 3-6 - take on the role of
a specific person (Superman, Wonder Woman, etc) using costumes
3. Games- Organized play, learn to take multiple roles. ex. Baseball
The I and meThe I is the self as subject- the active,
spontaneous, creative partThe me is the self as object- made up of
attitudes we internalize from our interactions w/others
Ex. I shoved him. He shoved me.
Piaget & DevelopmentPiaget & DevelopmentStudied the ability to reason & how
we learn it4 stages of development of reasoning1. Sensorimotor Stage (birth to 2)
Understanding limited to direct contact w/ environment with the senses. Do not recognize cause & effect
2. Preoperational Stage (2-7)Develop the ability to use symbols, do
not understand size, speed, perspective
Studied the ability to reason & how we learn it
4 stages of development of reasoning1. Sensorimotor Stage (birth to 2)
Understanding limited to direct contact w/ environment with the senses. Do not recognize cause & effect
2. Preoperational Stage (2-7)Develop the ability to use symbols, do
not understand size, speed, perspective
Concrete Operational (7-12)Understand numbers, causation,
speed, able to take they role of others, participate in team games. Cannot describe things w/out concrete examples
Formal Operational (>12)Capable of abstract thinking,
concepts, come to conclusions based on general principles & use rules to solve abstract problems
Concrete Operational (7-12)Understand numbers, causation,
speed, able to take they role of others, participate in team games. Cannot describe things w/out concrete examples
Formal Operational (>12)Capable of abstract thinking,
concepts, come to conclusions based on general principles & use rules to solve abstract problems
Piaget’s theory is not as distinct as he concluded it is being refined
A basic structure underlies the way we develop reasoning, and children all over the world begin with concrete & move to the abstract
Social experiences can modify these stages. Some argue that those who attend college can think more abstractly than those who do not
Piaget’s theory is not as distinct as he concluded it is being refined
A basic structure underlies the way we develop reasoning, and children all over the world begin with concrete & move to the abstract
Social experiences can modify these stages. Some argue that those who attend college can think more abstractly than those who do not
Freud & Personality Development
Freud & Personality Development
Id- Freud’s term for our inborn basic drives that cause us to seek self-gratificationRuns into roadblock- the needs of others
Ego- Freud’s term for a balancing force b/w the id and the demands of society
Superego- Freud’s term for the conscience, the internalized norms & values of our social groupsThe moral component of the personality
Id- Freud’s term for our inborn basic drives that cause us to seek self-gratificationRuns into roadblock- the needs of others
Ego- Freud’s term for a balancing force b/w the id and the demands of society
Superego- Freud’s term for the conscience, the internalized norms & values of our social groupsThe moral component of the personality
The Superego provides feelings of guilt or shame when we break social rules, or pride & self-satisfaction when we follow them
If a person is maladjusted the id or superego dominates the person leading to internal confusion & problem behaviors
Sociological Evaluation of FreudFreud’s theory deny that factors like
social class & interaction underlie behavior
The Superego provides feelings of guilt or shame when we break social rules, or pride & self-satisfaction when we follow them
If a person is maladjusted the id or superego dominates the person leading to internal confusion & problem behaviors
Sociological Evaluation of FreudFreud’s theory deny that factors like
social class & interaction underlie behavior
Development of MoralityDevelopment of Morality
Kohlberg’s Theory- 1. Amoral stage (no right or wrong just
personal needs)2. Preconventional stage- ages 7-10-
learned the rules & follow them to stay out of trouble, concern is to avoid punishment, right & wrong is based on what pleases or displeases parents, friends, adults;
3. Conventional stage- over age 10, morality is defined as following norms & values;
Kohlberg’s Theory- 1. Amoral stage (no right or wrong just
personal needs)2. Preconventional stage- ages 7-10-
learned the rules & follow them to stay out of trouble, concern is to avoid punishment, right & wrong is based on what pleases or displeases parents, friends, adults;
3. Conventional stage- over age 10, morality is defined as following norms & values;
"Heinz Steals the DrugIn Europe, a woman was near death from a
special kind of cancer. There was one drug that the doctors thought might save her. It was a form of radium that a druggist in the same town had recently discovered. The drug was expensive to make, but the druggist was charging ten times what the drug cost him to make. He paid $200 for the radium and charged $2,000 for a small dose of the drug.
"Heinz Steals the DrugIn Europe, a woman was near death from a
special kind of cancer. There was one drug that the doctors thought might save her. It was a form of radium that a druggist in the same town had recently discovered. The drug was expensive to make, but the druggist was charging ten times what the drug cost him to make. He paid $200 for the radium and charged $2,000 for a small dose of the drug.
The sick woman's husband, Heinz, went to everyone he knew to borrow the money, but he could only get together about $ 1,000 which is half of what it cost. He told the druggist that his wife was dying and asked him to sell it cheaper or let him pay later. But the druggist said: "No, I discovered the drug and I'm going to make money from it." So Heinz got desperate and broke into the man's store to steal the drug-for his wife. Should the husband have done that? (Kohlberg, 1963)."
The sick woman's husband, Heinz, went to everyone he knew to borrow the money, but he could only get together about $ 1,000 which is half of what it cost. He told the druggist that his wife was dying and asked him to sell it cheaper or let him pay later. But the druggist said: "No, I discovered the drug and I'm going to make money from it." So Heinz got desperate and broke into the man's store to steal the drug-for his wife. Should the husband have done that? (Kohlberg, 1963)."
4. Postconventional Stage- most people never reach- individuals reflect on abstract principles of right & wrong & judge a behavior according to these principles
4. Postconventional Stage- most people never reach- individuals reflect on abstract principles of right & wrong & judge a behavior according to these principles
Gender Differences in Morality
Gender Differences in Morality
Since Gohlberg used only boys, Gilligan decided to find out if there were differences b/w men & women in how they looked at morality
Women were more likely to evaluate morality in terms of personal relationships- how actions affect others, more concerned w/ personal loyalties & w/ the harm that might come to loved ones
Since Gohlberg used only boys, Gilligan decided to find out if there were differences b/w men & women in how they looked at morality
Women were more likely to evaluate morality in terms of personal relationships- how actions affect others, more concerned w/ personal loyalties & w/ the harm that might come to loved ones
Men tend to think more along the lines of abstract principles that define what is right or wrong. An action either matches or violates a code of ethics & personal relationships have little to do w/ it
When her research was tested it was found that both men & women use personal relationships & abstract principles to make moral judgments- causing her to change her original position
However, some researchers have found differences in how men & women make moral judgments- so the debate goes one- no one has used sociological research with morality
Men tend to think more along the lines of abstract principles that define what is right or wrong. An action either matches or violates a code of ethics & personal relationships have little to do w/ it
When her research was tested it was found that both men & women use personal relationships & abstract principles to make moral judgments- causing her to change her original position
However, some researchers have found differences in how men & women make moral judgments- so the debate goes one- no one has used sociological research with morality
Socialization into EmotionsSocialization into Emotions
Facial expressions to emotions are universal- linked to biology
Expressing Emotions are a matter of socializationEx. In the US it is more acceptable for women
to express their emotions than for men. People of different classes have different greetings in seeing a long absent friend. You are more likely to show emotions when you are with people you are closer to rather than w/strangers
Facial expressions to emotions are universal- linked to biology
Expressing Emotions are a matter of socializationEx. In the US it is more acceptable for women
to express their emotions than for men. People of different classes have different greetings in seeing a long absent friend. You are more likely to show emotions when you are with people you are closer to rather than w/strangers
Socialization also affects what we feel. Other cultures have different or more emotions or different words for these emotions
Social Mirror- the result of socialized into a self and emotions
Your experiences in life results in thinking along certain lines & feeling certain emotionsEx. You think about how others will
react if you do certain things
Socialization also affects what we feel. Other cultures have different or more emotions or different words for these emotions
Social Mirror- the result of socialized into a self and emotions
Your experiences in life results in thinking along certain lines & feeling certain emotionsEx. You think about how others will
react if you do certain things
Socialization into GenderSocialization into Gender
Gender socialization- the ways which society sets children onto different courses in life because they are male & female
By expecting different attitudes & behaviors b/c of gender groups nudge boys & girls in separate directions in life
Gender socialization- the ways which society sets children onto different courses in life because they are male & female
By expecting different attitudes & behaviors b/c of gender groups nudge boys & girls in separate directions in life
Gender messages from parentsParents tend to be more protective of
girls, allow/expect boys to get dirtier & roam further
Gender Messages from PeersPeer group- a group of individuals of
roughly the same age who are linked by common interests
Reinforces the process set up by parents
Ex. It isn’t ‘cool’ for boys to play w/ Barbies
Gender messages from parentsParents tend to be more protective of
girls, allow/expect boys to get dirtier & roam further
Gender Messages from PeersPeer group- a group of individuals of
roughly the same age who are linked by common interests
Reinforces the process set up by parents
Ex. It isn’t ‘cool’ for boys to play w/ Barbies
Gender Messages from the Mass Media
Gender Messages from the Mass Media
Mass Media- forms of communication such as radio, newspapers, and TV that are directed to mass audiences
Gender Roles- the behaviors & attitudes considered appropriate b/c one is a male or female
Mass Media- forms of communication such as radio, newspapers, and TV that are directed to mass audiences
Gender Roles- the behaviors & attitudes considered appropriate b/c one is a male or female
Advertising- average US child watches 20,000 commercials a year. Those aimed a children show cooperative girls at home & aggressive boys in other places. Girls are more likely to be portrayed as giggly & less capable. Adult men are portrayed as dominate & rugged, women as sexy & submissive. Results in stereotyping.
Advertising- average US child watches 20,000 commercials a year. Those aimed a children show cooperative girls at home & aggressive boys in other places. Girls are more likely to be portrayed as giggly & less capable. Adult men are portrayed as dominate & rugged, women as sexy & submissive. Results in stereotyping.
Television- TV reinforces stereotypes. In primetime male characters outnumber females. Males are portrayed in higher-status positions. Women athletes receive less coverage than men. Stereotype-breaking characters- Xena: Warrior Princess, Buffy, the Vampire Slayer, Alias, Kim Possible, Powerpuff Girls. However these ‘powerful’ female characters are all skinny, pretty, & fashion conscience sending a mixed message
Television- TV reinforces stereotypes. In primetime male characters outnumber females. Males are portrayed in higher-status positions. Women athletes receive less coverage than men. Stereotype-breaking characters- Xena: Warrior Princess, Buffy, the Vampire Slayer, Alias, Kim Possible, Powerpuff Girls. However these ‘powerful’ female characters are all skinny, pretty, & fashion conscience sending a mixed message
Video Games- the average American spends 75 hrs. a year playing video games. The influence of gender in video games is currently being studied. However, most women in video games are seen a sexual first all else is secondary
Social inequality- a social condition in which privileges & obligations are given to some but denied to others.
Gender still serves as the primary basis for social inequality.
Video Games- the average American spends 75 hrs. a year playing video games. The influence of gender in video games is currently being studied. However, most women in video games are seen a sexual first all else is secondary
Social inequality- a social condition in which privileges & obligations are given to some but denied to others.
Gender still serves as the primary basis for social inequality.
Agents of SocializationAgents of Socialization
Def- people or groups that affect our self-concept, attitudes, behaviors, or other orientations towards life.
The Family- the 1st group to have a major lifelong impact on us. Most of the ways parents teach children about expected differences in gender involves nonverbal cues.
Def- people or groups that affect our self-concept, attitudes, behaviors, or other orientations towards life.
The Family- the 1st group to have a major lifelong impact on us. Most of the ways parents teach children about expected differences in gender involves nonverbal cues.
The Family & Social ClassThe Family & Social ClassResearchers discovered that
socialization depends on a family’s social classEx. Working-class parents are mainly
concerned about their kids staying out of trouble & use physical punishment. Middle-class parents focus on developing curiosity, self-expression & self-control. They are more likely to use reasoning rather than punishment. The differences may be based on how the parents are treated at work
Researchers discovered that socialization depends on a family’s social classEx. Working-class parents are mainly
concerned about their kids staying out of trouble & use physical punishment. Middle-class parents focus on developing curiosity, self-expression & self-control. They are more likely to use reasoning rather than punishment. The differences may be based on how the parents are treated at work
The NeighborhoodThe Neighborhood
Children from poor neighborhoods are more likely to get in trouble w/ the law, become pregnant, drop out of school, even have worse mental health.
Residents in more affluent neighborhoods are more likely to watch out for the kids- not b/c they are better but b/c there is less transition in wealthier neighborhoods
Children from poor neighborhoods are more likely to get in trouble w/ the law, become pregnant, drop out of school, even have worse mental health.
Residents in more affluent neighborhoods are more likely to watch out for the kids- not b/c they are better but b/c there is less transition in wealthier neighborhoods
ReligionReligion
Influences values, the difference b/w right & wrong
Participation in religious services teaches us what is expected at formal events (dress, speech, manners)
Even people in non-religious homes are affected by religion b/c it is so significant in society
Influences values, the difference b/w right & wrong
Participation in religious services teaches us what is expected at formal events (dress, speech, manners)
Even people in non-religious homes are affected by religion b/c it is so significant in society
Day CareDay Care
Def- as care by anyone other than the mother- including other relatives & the father
Children who spend more hours in day care have weaker bonds w/ mom, more likely to fight, to be cruel, & to be ‘mean’
Those who spend less time in day care are more cooperative & more affectionate towards mom
Def- as care by anyone other than the mother- including other relatives & the father
Children who spend more hours in day care have weaker bonds w/ mom, more likely to fight, to be cruel, & to be ‘mean’
Those who spend less time in day care are more cooperative & more affectionate towards mom
Why? The study was not designed to determine this. Could be less contact w/ mom, mom’s less concerned or less familiar w/ their kids
Positive side of Day CareHigher scores on language tests
Why? The study was not designed to determine this. Could be less contact w/ mom, mom’s less concerned or less familiar w/ their kids
Positive side of Day CareHigher scores on language tests
SchoolSchoolManifest function- to transmit knowledge &
skillsLatent Functions- socialization, attitudes &
values needed to take a place in the worldHidden curriculum- values that are not
explicitly taught but are part of the schools ‘message’ ex. Patriotism, democracy, justice, honesty
Corridor Curriculum- what students teach one another outside the classroom
Manifest function- to transmit knowledge & skills
Latent Functions- socialization, attitudes & values needed to take a place in the world
Hidden curriculum- values that are not explicitly taught but are part of the schools ‘message’ ex. Patriotism, democracy, justice, honesty
Corridor Curriculum- what students teach one another outside the classroom
Peer GroupsPeer GroupsAs you age the influence of the family
lessens & the influence of peers increasesGoing against the group is almost
impossible since the golden rule of peer groups is conformity or rejection
Anyone who doesn’t do what the others want becomes an ‘outsider’ or an ‘outcast’
The standards of our peer group dominate our lives- music, clothing styles, dating standards, etc.
As you age the influence of the family lessens & the influence of peers increases
Going against the group is almost impossible since the golden rule of peer groups is conformity or rejection
Anyone who doesn’t do what the others want becomes an ‘outsider’ or an ‘outcast’
The standards of our peer group dominate our lives- music, clothing styles, dating standards, etc.
Sports & Competitive Success
Sports & Competitive Success
What do boys learn from sports?Success in sports = masculinityEncourages instrumental
relationships- those based on what you can get out of people
What girls learn?Less likely to base self-concept on
competitive success
What do boys learn from sports?Success in sports = masculinityEncourages instrumental
relationships- those based on what you can get out of people
What girls learn?Less likely to base self-concept on
competitive success
WorkplaceWorkplace
Anticipatory socialization- because one anticipates a future role, one learns parts of it now.Sort of a rehearsal for a future role
The more you participate in a line of work, the more the work becomes part of your self-concept
Anticipatory socialization- because one anticipates a future role, one learns parts of it now.Sort of a rehearsal for a future role
The more you participate in a line of work, the more the work becomes part of your self-concept
Resocialization Resocialization
Def- the process of learning new norms, values, attitudes, & behaviorsEx. Newly divorced, entering college
or high school, AA
Def- the process of learning new norms, values, attitudes, & behaviorsEx. Newly divorced, entering college
or high school, AA
Total InstitutionsTotal InstitutionsDef- a place in which people are cut off
from the rest of society & are almost totally controlled by the officials who run the place
Rare for most people to encounterEx. Boot camp, prisons, concentration
camps, convents, religious cults, some boarding schools
Degradation ceremony- term coined by Harold Garfinkel to describe an attempt to remake the self by stripping away an individual’s self-identity & stamping a new identity in its place
Def- a place in which people are cut off from the rest of society & are almost totally controlled by the officials who run the place
Rare for most people to encounterEx. Boot camp, prisons, concentration
camps, convents, religious cults, some boarding schools
Degradation ceremony- term coined by Harold Garfinkel to describe an attempt to remake the self by stripping away an individual’s self-identity & stamping a new identity in its place
Sometimes involves giving up the personal identity kit (jewelry, hairstyles, clothing). May also include fingerprinting, photographing, shaving the head. Can include undergoing a semi-public physical exam, stripping down & receiving a uniform
Eating, sleeping, showering, recreation are standardized
No one leaves a total institution unscathed
Sometimes involves giving up the personal identity kit (jewelry, hairstyles, clothing). May also include fingerprinting, photographing, shaving the head. Can include undergoing a semi-public physical exam, stripping down & receiving a uniform
Eating, sleeping, showering, recreation are standardized
No one leaves a total institution unscathed
Socialization through the life course
Socialization through the life course
Life course- the stages of our life as we go from birth to death1. As you pass through a stage it
affects your behavior & orientations2. Your life course differs by social
location- social class, race-ethnicity, & gender
Life course- the stages of our life as we go from birth to death1. As you pass through a stage it
affects your behavior & orientations2. Your life course differs by social
location- social class, race-ethnicity, & gender
Childhood (birth to 12)Childhood (birth to 12)
The experiences in childhood are affected by social location, geography & history. Technology is an increasingly important aspect of childhood- TV shows children images of murder, war, other violence
Social locations are as vital as biology, for they determine what childhood will be like for us
The experiences in childhood are affected by social location, geography & history. Technology is an increasingly important aspect of childhood- TV shows children images of murder, war, other violence
Social locations are as vital as biology, for they determine what childhood will be like for us
Adolescence (13-17)Adolescence (13-17)
Adolescence is a social inventionDeveloped during the 1900s. Before
adulthood followed childhoodDevelop their own subculture-
distinctive clothing, hairstyles, language, gestures, music
Initiation rites- mark the transition into adulthood. Used by many tribal societies
Adolescence is a social inventionDeveloped during the 1900s. Before
adulthood followed childhoodDevelop their own subculture-
distinctive clothing, hairstyles, language, gestures, music
Initiation rites- mark the transition into adulthood. Used by many tribal societies
Transitional Adulthood (18-29)
Transitional Adulthood (18-29)
Def- a term that refers to a period following high school when young adults have not yet taken on the responsibilities ordinarily associated w/ adulthood; aka adultolescenceEx. College studentsOnly after living on your own- with all adult
responsibilities are you ‘officially’ an adult
Def- a term that refers to a period following high school when young adults have not yet taken on the responsibilities ordinarily associated w/ adulthood; aka adultolescenceEx. College studentsOnly after living on your own- with all adult
responsibilities are you ‘officially’ an adult
The Middle Years (30-65)The Middle Years (30-65)
The Early Middle Years (30-49)People are more sure of themselves
in this stageAre major jolts- divorce, loosing jobSpecial problems for women- the idea
of being ‘super’- supermom, superwife, etc.
The Early Middle Years (30-49)People are more sure of themselves
in this stageAre major jolts- divorce, loosing jobSpecial problems for women- the idea
of being ‘super’- supermom, superwife, etc.
The Later Middle Years (50-65)Health & mortality become issues-
closer to death than birthMay have to care for
children/grandchildren & aging parents
Sometimes called the ‘sandwich generation’
Can be the most comfortable stage- job security, house paid off, no kids at home, etc.
The Later Middle Years (50-65)Health & mortality become issues-
closer to death than birthMay have to care for
children/grandchildren & aging parents
Sometimes called the ‘sandwich generation’
Can be the most comfortable stage- job security, house paid off, no kids at home, etc.
The Older Years (65+)The Older Years (65+)
The Early Older Years‘newer’ stage since people in the
past died by this pointRetirement stageIf health is good- stage is good-
although death is on the horizon
The Early Older Years‘newer’ stage since people in the
past died by this pointRetirement stageIf health is good- stage is good-
although death is on the horizon
The later Older YearsMarked by growing frailty or failing
healthCan start at any age- since it is based
on health
The later Older YearsMarked by growing frailty or failing
healthCan start at any age- since it is based
on health
Significance of Life CourseSignificance of Life Course
Although biology is an important factor in the life course so are social factors
When you were born can determine how far in your life course you go
Where you were born (social location) also determines how far you go or when you move from stage to stage (ex. Transitional adolescence)
Although biology is an important factor in the life course so are social factors
When you were born can determine how far in your life course you go
Where you were born (social location) also determines how far you go or when you move from stage to stage (ex. Transitional adolescence)