HN377 Unit 9: Emerging Adulthood*

Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2008

Wendy L. DuCassé, MSW, LCSW

*Berk (2008)



Education Romance Career Residence Politics Religion


In 1950, the average age of first marriage was about 20 for women and 23 for men.

Currently, the comparable ages are 25 and 27 in the United States, and 28 and 30 in Canada.


More than half of 18 to 25-year –olds return to their parent’s home for a brief period after leaving.

The end of college, job transitions, or failures in work or love can bring young people home.

Lower-SES and ethnic minority emerging adults are more likely to live with parents.

The longer bridge between adolescence and adulthood is an emerging cultural construction.


Developed economies Longer education needed, so longer emerging

adulthood Dramatic Gains in Life Expectancy Young people in traditional,

non-Western countries do not experience

Low-SES in Western nations may not experience


Important advances in thinking follow the attainment of formal operations College students make impressive strides

College as “developmental testing ground” “Culture shock” Exposure to many viewpoints Social experiences combine with personal effort to spark new ways of thinking


William Perry Our reflections on how we arrived at facts,

beliefs, and ideas Dualistic Thinking Relativistic Thinking Commitment Within Relativistic Thinking

Importance of peer interaction and reflection


Advances in identity development Breadth and depth

Many aspects of life course that were once socially structured are now left up to the individual to decide, a process that requires self-efficacy, purpose, and confidence in overcoming obstacles.

Personal agency


Erikson – Intimacy Intimacy helped by:

Partner similarity Good communication Secure internal working model

of attachment Cohabitation longer term

in Europe than North America


More preparation for adult work Internships, apprenticeships,

college majors Mentors Levinson – “Dream” stage

Men: career-focused Women: split dreams


During college, women’s career ambitions often decline partly because of questions about ability and partly because of questions about combining work with parenthood.

Women who achieve have four experiences in common: A college environment that values the

achievement of women Frequent interaction with faculty and professionals

in their field The opportunity to test their abilities in supportive

extracurricular, internship, and work environments Models of accomplished women who have

successfully dealt with family-career role conflict


Ethnic minorities are at a greater risk for dropping out of college.

College programs that reach out to high-risk students increase retention.

Racial bias in career opportunities remains strong.

Ethnic minority women must surmount combined gender and racial discrimination to realize their career potential.



Civic and Political Commitments

Religion and Spirituality



Cognitive Attributes

Emotional and Social Attributes

Social Supports Relationships with

parents have an especially wide-ranging influence.



This is our last live seminar. We will not meet next Monday, February 21, the week of unit 10.

All late work is due by Saturday, February 19th at 11:59pm EST (NO EXCEPTIONS!)



Any last minute questions about your project??

Documents

HN377 Unit 9: Emerging Adulthood*