Issues in emerging adulthood Unit 2

Student debt

Most adults are still paying off college fees and debt of
when their way older

For example, after three years of post-secondary schooling in Nova Scotia, Verge graduated in 2008 with about $25,000 of debt. But in 5 years she was only able to pay about 2,000 back.

You became an adult when you (1) finished school, (2) got a job, (3) married, and (4) had children. Those are all big steps.

Cultural changes have resulted in a new life stage between adolescence

Its a big change going into adulthood. Most people
aren't ready for it.

Is a transition that begins in adolescence and continues to adulthood

Finishing school

Additional training and schooling

Getting a stable job

Becoming independent from family

Finding love

Having a family

Getting a home

Biologically, an adult is an organism that has reached sexual maturity. In human context, the term adult additionally has meanings associated with social and legal concepts.

Meeting the maximum growth and maturity

Pre-industrialization (Pre 1850)

Because of high newborn child mortality (high passing rate before age of 20), guardians were exhorted not to get attached to kids. Passionate relationship to guardians was non-existent

Families had lots of children so that children would work

Industrialization (Late 19th century)

There were more ways to earn income other then farming. Children didn't have to be sent away to earn money

Children married younger and left home

Employment low

20th century

Labor law came no more kids in factories

School became more important for success

School was mandatory until 16 years old

21st century

Individuals are more emotionally and financially
tied to parents

Social Clock

Reflects society’s “timetable” of expectations for us

Our social changes for example getting married, moving out

Psychological Clock

How we psychologically grow as people

Reflects how brain is developing

Biological Clock

Reflects physical changes as we grow

How our bodies change (getting taller)

Chronological Clock

Reflects age

Defines adulthood in terms of number of
years since birth