Emerging Adulthood Learning Goals: I will be able to explain the various aspects of development in adolescence and young adulthood I will be able to explain the role of the agents of socialization to the period of adolescence and young adulthood

Adulthood in Western Society Definitions vary Age of majority in Canada at 18 Entering adulthood is mostly viewed as a transition and not an event Many Canadians feel they are an adult at 20, but the boundaries for entering adulthood range from 18-34

Adulthood in Earlier Societies Primitive human societies expected their young to be independent when they became sexually mature Some hunting and gathering societies based their definition of adulthood on the number of calories a person could contribute

Transition to Adulthood in Earlier Times Pre-industry – no adolescence existed – children worked at a very young age and were expected to take on adult roles Industrialization – Fathers to children to work with them in factories Development of Schooling – in the late 19th century, schools were established to educate all children and child labour was abolished. At this time adolescence became a transition period between childhood and adulthood.

Leaving Home For adults born in 1977-1981 – 54% of men and 65% of women left home by age 24 76% and 86% of baby boomers had left home by this age By 2001, adults left home 5 years later than in 1971 1981 – 5% of 30 year olds still lived at home 1996 – 22% of 30 year olds still lived at home Now…???

The Decision to Leave Home Young adults leave home later than they and their parents thought they would Young people enjoy the security of living while they finish school Parents enjoy the companionship of their children Comfortable home environment Leaving home occurs earlier when there is conflict in the home Children of divorced families are more likely to leave home earlier Women leave home earlier than men

Failure to Launch? In the 1990s, the trend of staying at home longer was seen as a failure Boomerang Children – left home for school and moved back home Is society failing to prepare young people? Is an increased lifespan allowing for a leisurely transition?

What do the theories say? Functionalists say they later transition is necessary in an advanced society Conflict theorists argue that the extended transition exploits youth. Older adults are keeping their jobs, denying young people access. Systems theorists claim that multiple influences such as increased educational expectations, globalization, technology, economics have all influenced this trend Social Exchange theorists note that young adults are weighing the pros and cons before deciding to leave home, and living at home offers more benefits

Next Steps: With a partner or on your own go through the agents of socialization (Family, peers, School, Culture, Religion, and the media) and brainstorm what the different milestones and expectations an individual has from each agent of socialization.