As we pass through the different stages our behaviors and attitudes change in ways that reflect the social expectations of that stage

An individual’s life course in influenced by social location

In earlier times, children were considered mini adults- kept in line by beatings and psychological torture

The current view is that children are tender and innocent and parents should guide their children’s physical, emotional and social development while providing them with care, comfort and protection

• Economic changes resulting from the Industrial Revolution brought about material surpluses that allow millions of teens to remain outside the labor force– At the same time there was a demand for

education to increase• Biologically equipped for work and

marriage but denied both, teens suffer inner turmoil and develop their own standards of clothing, hairstyles, language, music, and protection

Adult responsibilities are postponed through extended education

At some point during this period, young adults gradually ease into adult responsibilities• Finishing school, getting a job, getting

married

• People are surer of themselves and their goals in life than before– Severe jolts such as divorce or being fired

can occur and mess this feeling up• For women, it can be a trying period

b/c they’re trying to have it all: job, family, everything

Health issues and mortality begin to loom

People feel their bodies change People attempt to evaluate past and

come to terms with what lies ahead Sandwich generation- caring for

children and aging parents

People are now living longer and there has been an improvement in general health

At the same time people in this stage become more concerned with death

• Socialization serves a # of social functions– Ensuring social order is main function

• w/socialization, norms and values can be instilled within the child– Socialized individuals support their society• Working to contribute to its prosperity and obeying laws

• Socialization of children teaches parents qualities useful for enhancing human relations in society

• Children are socialized to grow up and support their parents in old age and in some cases they are contributors to the family’s economic well-being

• Some aspects of socialization are harmful to children

• An enormous power builds up on the parents who can thus be tempted to exploit and abuse children– Child labor, slavery, child pornography and abuse

• Children are viewed as their parents personal possession and are denied many rights that adults enjoy as members of society

• Adults defend the physical punishment of children by saying “its for their own good”

Focuses on how children develop a self from interactions with parents and other people in their lives

Cooley’s looking glass process Mead’s Role Taking Process