SOCIALIZATION THROUGH THE LIFE COURSE Sociology Chapter 3 Mrs. Madison The Life Course The stages of our life as we go from birth to death Affects our behavior and orientation to life Affected by social class, race, ethnicity, and gender Childhood (Birth 12) Childhood is not only biological, it is social Varies depending on history, social class, location Adolescence (Ages 13-17) Adolescence is a social invention early 1900s Industrial surpluses meant children could remain outside workforce Children remained in school longer Children attempt to find themselves on their own Adolescence (Ages 13-17) Develop own subcultures Transitional Adulthood (Ages 18-29) Postindustrial societies are adding a period of extended youth to the life course Havent taken on the responsibilities ordinarily associated with adulthood Lost GenerationLost Generation The Early Middle Years (Ages 30-49) People more secure in their self Serious disruptions to the self may occur divorce, job loss, etc. Special challenge for women who want it all The Later Middle Years (Ages 50-65) Change in orientation Time Spent to Time Left Evaluate past what theyve accomplished Come to terms with what lies ahead Sandwich GenerationSandwich Generation Comforts Job security, increased standard of living, children grown, etc. The Early Older Years (65 on) Often an extension of the middle years Death becomes less abstract The Later Older Years No set beginning point for this stage Usually marked by growing frailty and illness Sociological Significance of Life Course Life is not merely biology, but is influenced by social factors History has an important impact on how you live Social Location (class, gender, race) and individual factors (ex: entering college late) impact life course Socialization Summary Each of us is actively involved in the construction of our self We are not passive robots impacted by socialization