SocializationSocialization

Chapter 3Chapter 3

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)