Chap4 HHS4U

UNIT 2: LEAVING HOME
Chapter 3: Early Adulthood
Chapter 4: Becoming and Adult
Chapter 5: Young Adult Issues and Trends

CHAPTER 4: BECOMING AN ADULT


Overview
 Developmental

Theories

Stage Progression Theories
 Age-Linked Stages Theories
 Constant Change Theories


 Socialization

Family
 School


 Preparing

for an Occupation

Family
 School
 Part-time work


THE TRANSITION TO ADULTHOOD


Becoming an adult begins in childhood and continues until you are an adult
 In

your own eyes
 In the eyes of your parents, the law, and the society in which you live

THE TRANSITION TO ADULTHOOD


The process of becoming an adult is very complex and varied
 Does

it occur in predictable stages regardless of the society in which you live?
 Is the process unique for each individual, or does development occur in patterns for all individuals living at the same time and in the same place?
 The behavioural norms in early adulthood in
Canada have changed, but is the process of becoming an adult changing for individuals living in Canada?

THE TRANSITION TO ADULTHOOD


Although an individual’s development is a very gradual process, it is marked by very distinct and significant turning points, such as:
 Puberty
 Graduation
 Obtaining a driver’s license  Marriage
 Parenthood

THE TRANSITION TO ADULTHOOD
All known human societies have recognizable stages of life that are distinguished by societal rituals called rites of passage
 Stages of development are not the same in all societies  Rites of passage may also very between societies 

THE PACE OF DEVELOPMENT
It is difficult to define when you will be considered an adult in Canadian society
 When you achieve the chronological age of
18, you reach the age of majority and acquire the legal responsibilities and privileges of adulthood. 

 You

can vote and sign contracts
 You can get married


Up to the mid-20th century reaching the age of 18 worked as a milestone for becoming an adult  Young

adults