THE ADULT IN SOCIETY EARLY AND MIDDLE ADULTHOOD THE WORLD OF WORK THE LATER YEARS

LIFE IN SOCIETY ► Socialization does not end with adolescence. ► At every age, we are faced with new experiences and new demands that affect the ways that we view ourselves and the society we live in. ► Our first job, marriage, the birth of a first child, our first home, triumphs and disappointments, retirement, and approaching death are all events we experience.

EARLY AND MIDDLE ADULTHOOD ► The life patterns of adult males and females in American society are somewhat different. ► Almost 69% of women with children under the age of 18 work at least part-time. ► Men generally remain in the labor force for most of adulthood.

ADULT MALE DEVELOPMENT ► Psychologist Daniel Levinson undertook an intensive study to determine the adult male developmental stages. ► Life Structure- the combination of statuses, roles, activities, goals, values, beliefs, and life circumstances that characterize an individual.

17-22 Early Adult Transition Early Adulthood Era Entering the Adult World Age 30 Transition Settling Down Period Midlife Transition Middle Adulthood Era Entering Middle Adulthood Age 50 Transition Culmination of Middle Adulthood Late Adult Transition Late Adulthood Era Late Adult Transition

EARLY ADULT TRANSITION ► Ages ► Bridge between adolescence and adulthood. ► Breaking ties with parents ► Moving out on your own ► College ► Entering the workforce

ENTERING THE ADULT WORLD ► Ages ► The individual is expected to explore a variety of relationship and career opportunities. ► Expected to become a responsible member of society and form a stable life structure.

AGE 30 TRANSITION ► Ages ► Difficult period for many people as they look back on the choices they have made ► Divorce is common ► Vital phase for men to make a place for themselves in the adult world.

THE SETTLING DOWN PERIOD ► Ages ► Major task is what Levinson called “making it” in the adult world ► Form commitments to things such as work, family, leisure, friendship, and community. ► Mentor- someone who fosters an individual’s development by believing in the person, sharing dreams, and helping them to achieve those dreams During the age 30 transition and settling down periods, young men often seek older role models for advice and guidance.

THE MIDLIFE TRANSITION ► Ages ► Bridge between early and middle adulthood ► Individuals often question their life structures. ► For about 80% of the subjects in Levinson’s study, this was a period of moderate to severe crisis.

ADULT FEMALE DEVELOPMENT ► Levinson suggested that his findings were equally valid for women. ► Three stages include: Leaving the Family Entering the Adult World Entering the Adult World Again

LEAVING THE FAMILY ► Involves leaving home, making a psychological break from parents, and developing a life plan. ► Emphasis less on career and more on marriage. ► Even when combined, the marriage tends to take priority over career.

ENTERING THE ADULT WORLD ► Age at first marriage in the U.S. has been rising since ► Today the average age is 27 for men and 25 for women. ► Most women marry and have their first child in their twenties. ► Many women find motherhood and a career to be a workable combination, but it is often an added strain.

ENTERING THE ADULT WORLD AGAIN ► Once their children reach school age, many mothers who left the labor force again seek employment. ► Fewer obligations at home make it possible for them to actively pursue career goals

THE WORLD OF WORK ► Work is an important aspect of adult life. ► If you begin working at age 18 and retire at age 65, you will have spent 47 years in the labor force. ► Labor Force- consists of all individuals age 16 and older who are employed in paid positions or who are seeking paid employment.

COMPOSITION OF THE LABOR FORCE ► The composition of the American labor force is changing. ► In 1970, women made up 38% of the labor force. In 2000, it was 47%. ► Profession- high status occupation that requires specialized skills obtained through formal education. ► Women now hold about half of the professional jobs in the United States.

UNEMPLOYMENT ► Unemployment- the situation that occurs when a person does not have a job but is seeking employment. ► Unemployment Rate- the percentage of the civilian labor force that is unemployed but seeking employment ► In the United States the unemployment rate hovers around 5%.

Executive, Administrative, Managerial Business executives, office managers, sales managers, credit managers, personnel managers, public relations, store managers Professional SpecialtyDoctors, lawyers, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, engineers, vets, social workers, teachers, accountants TechnicalLab technicians, dental hygienists, medical assistant, nurse, x-ray technicians SalesRetail sales, insurance sales, real-estate agents Administrative SupportBookkeepers, office clerks, secretaries, cashiers, telephone operators, postal workers, bank workers ServiceCooks, butlers, nursemaids Precision Production, Craft, Repair Workers Mechanics, dressmakers, tailors, printers, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, concrete workers Operators, Fabricators, and Laborers Packagers, welders, heavy equipment operators, freight handlers Farming, Forestry, and Fishing Farm owners, lumberjacks, fishers, hunters, and trappers TransportationTruck and bus drivers

THE LATER YEARS ► Improved health care has enabled more and more people around the world to live longer than ever before. ► Gerontology- the scientific study of the processes and phenomena of aging ► Young-Old 65 to 74 ► Middle-Old 75 to 84 ► Old-Old 85 and older