Human beings undergo development which is determined by multiple aspects and frameworks. Such elements are things that concern school, genetics and social, economic status. Lifespan development involves stages such as childhood, adolescence, adulthood and older adulthood depending on your age bracket. The idea I found fascinating about this lecture was the comparison between the traditional definition of adulthood compared to the modern definition of adulthood.

The transition to adulthood I accompanied by a sense of commitment, purpose, and identity. Traditionally, the transition to adulthood was defined by school completion, nest leaving and financial independence. Marriage was another factor that identified one as an adult. Marriage, in turn, led to childbearing which led to more responsibilities. However, just like today, not everyone saw marriage as their cup of tea. The path to adulthood traditionally was short and direct. Factors like getting married, having kids and having your own home with your family defined a complete adult. That gave someone a purpose in life. It is intriguing how things have changed since. If you defined adulthood to a young person as it was traditionally, they would surely look you with disbelief.

Emerging adulthood which occurs from the age of 18 to the late twenties is viewed differently. This emerging adulthood is more concentrated on oneself rather than commitment. Adulthood, in this case, means a time of self-focus and self-exploration. I find it interesting as it seems like many people in the modern world are afraid of commitments. The number of adults living at home with their parents has increased which means that instability has also increased in this era. This issue has been caused by the need to acquire education and the time it takes to get that education needed to sustain yourself in the modern world. The concept of marriage has also changed dramatically with more people drifting away from it. Marriage has ceased to be a thing, but more of a feeling which I would say is rather interesting.

I find that the traditional markers of adulthood gave one a purpose in life which in turn gave life a meaning unlike the emerging markers of adulthood. Don’t you wish that we could go back to the olden days? Well for me those markers brought sanity to the world unlike now.

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