The document discusses the different life stages from childhood through older adulthood. It notes that as individuals pass through each stage, their behaviors and attitudes change to reflect social expectations. Additionally, one's socioeconomic status influences their life course. The document then provides details on the expectations and challenges specific to certain age groups, such as children, teenagers, young adults, midlife adults, and older adults.

2.  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

3.  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

4. • 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

5.  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

6. • 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

7.  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

8.  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

10. • 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

11. • 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”

12.  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