“All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and entrances, And one man in his time plays many parts.” -As You Like It Act II, Scene XII What, in your opinion, is the meaning of this passage? List the similarities and differences between an actor preparing for a role on stage and person becoming an adult.

Socialization  Does not end with adolescence  Continues throughout life span First job Marriage Children Success/failure Retirement

MEN vs. WOMEN  Process of development differ for men and women Especially in the “world of work”

WORK PATTERNS MENWOMEN

WORK PATTERNS MENWOMEN REMAIN IN THE LABOR FORCE FOR MOST OF ADULTHOOD ENTER THE LABOR FORCE, TAKE TIME OFF FOR CHILDREN, THEN GO BACK TO WORK AFTER CHILDREN HAVE GROWN

Daniel Levinson  Psychologist at Yale  Conducted research study to determine the adult male developmental stages

Daniel Levinson  Through interviews determined individuals life structure  Life Structure - combination of statuses, roles, activities, goals, values, beliefs, and life circumstances that characterize an individual

Daniel Levinson  Analyze life structure to identify patterns of characteristics of all men  Identified three basic eras Early Adulthood Middle Adulthood Late Adulthood

Early Adulthood Era  Ages 17-22= Early Adult Transition  Ages 23-27= Entering the Adult World  Ages 28-32= Age 30 Transition  Ages 33-39= Settling Down

Early Adult Transition Transition from adolescence to adulthood Most important task is leaving home For most young adults, the transition is not a complete break from parents- it is a slow process

Entering the Adult World  Two chief tasks Explore a variety of relationships and career opportunities, but avoid strong commitments that will make it difficult to take advantage of new opportunities Become a responsible member of society and form a stable life structure

Age 30 Transition  Many people have a hard time in this age group Look back on the choices they have made Regrets are common Divorces are common

Settling Down Period  The major task is to “make it” in the adult world.  Establish themselves in society through their careers

Middle Adulthood Era  40-44: Midlife Transition  45-49: Entering Middle Adulthood  50-54: Age 50 Transition  55-59: Culmination of Middle Adulthood

Middle Adulthood Era  A bridge between early and middle adulthood  Self-examination  Many come to realize their earlier dreams will never come true  Midlife crisis

Late Adulthood Era  : Late Adult Transition Will take notes later on this age group

Adult Female Development  THREE BASIC PHASES PHASE I: Leaving the Family PHASE II: Entering the Adult World PHASE III: Entering the Adult World AGAIN

Phase I: Leaving the Family  Similar to men, however the emphasis is more on marriage than a career  Even when women plan to combine a career with marriage, marriage is more important

Phase II: Entering the Adult World  Average age women marry: 25.1 years old  Many women feel pressure to maintain duel roles- motherhood and career  59% of new mothers return to work after their maternity leave  This break in employment distinguishes female development from male development during adulthood

Phase III: Entering the Adult World Again  Once children reach school age, many mothers return to work  Many times this occurs around the same time their husbands are having doubts about their career

Changes Over the Years  Americans are delaying marriage, choosing to focus on their careers (including women)  Marriage rate has dropped by 30% since the 1960s  Women are also delaying parenthood  In 1/3 of all marriages, the wife makes more money than the husband