1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. Leaving Home
For adults born in – 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…???

6. 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

7. 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?

8. 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

9. 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.