Emerging Adulthood And Culture

Emerging Adulthood And Cultureduejul 12 1000 Pmcstpoints10paperview

Find and watch three videos on emerging adulthood in different cultures in the University Library. Write a 700- to 1,050-word paper discussing the following: What is the meaning of emerging adulthood? What are the expectations for an emerging adult in your culture? Compare and contrast the expectations and roles of an emerging adult in the different cultures. What are the implications of the transition on middle adulthood? Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. Please cite in alphbetical order and spell check Here is the material Jeffrey Jensen Arnett: Emerging Adulthood Emerging Adult & Career Development Society's Changing Definition of Adulthood Mark Regnerus - Sexual Decision Making and Emotional Health in Emerging Adulthood

Paper For Above instruction

Emerging adulthood is a developmental phase characterized by a period of transition from adolescence to full-fledged adulthood, typically spanning the ages of 18 to 25. This transitional stage, first conceptualized by Jeffrey Jensen Arnett, emphasizes exploration, identity formation, independence, and self-focus as central features (Arnett, 2000). During this period, young adults often experiment with careers, relationships, and lifestyles before committing to long-term roles. The concept of emerging adulthood is particularly relevant in Western cultures where prolonged education and delayed marriage are common, allowing for extended exploration before assuming adult responsibilities (Arnett, 2014).

In my culture, which is predominantly Western, the expectations for emerging adults revolve around gaining independence, completing education, establishing a career, and forming committed relationships. This period is often marked by pursuing higher education and developing professional skills to prepare for financial independence. Social norms emphasize self-reliance, individual achievement, and delayed marriage until after establishing a stable career (Arnett, 2000). Young adults are encouraged to explore different career paths and personal identities before settling down and assuming traditional adult roles.

Contrasting this with other cultures reveals notable differences. For example, in many collectivist societies such as those in Asia or Africa, emerging adulthood may involve earlier responsibilities within family and community. Expectations may include supporting parents financially, participating in arranged marriages, or assuming familial roles at a younger age (Mark Regnerus, 2017). While Western emerging adults prioritize personal development and exploration, in these cultures, the transition to adulthood often occurs through fulfilling social and familial obligations, with less emphasis on prolonged individual exploration.

The roles and expectations of emerging adults vary significantly across cultures, impacting their transition to middle adulthood. In Western cultures, the delayed transition allows individuals more time to solidify their identities and achieve personal goals, which can lead to greater career stability and emotional well-being in middle adulthood. Conversely, in cultures with earlier lifespan transitions, individuals may assume adult responsibilities sooner, which can influence their career trajectories and psychological resilience later in life (Arnett, 2014).

The implications of these cultural differences extend into middle adulthood, affecting life satisfaction, stress levels, and overall health. Western emerging adults, having explored multiple roles and achieved personal independence, might experience a smoother transition into middle age with well-defined identities and accomplishments (Regnerus, 2017). In contrast, those from cultures with earlier responsibility may have developed resilience through early assumption of adult roles but might face challenges related to elderhood responsibilities or career stagnation due to earlier transitions (Arnett, 2000).

Studies suggest that the flexibility and extended exploration characteristic of emerging adulthood in Western societies can promote psychological maturity and adaptability, which benefit middle adulthood (Arnett, 2014). Alternatively, in cultures where immediate adult responsibilities are emphasized, the transition may foster resilience and community integration, although it might also pose risks of increased stress or limited personal exploration (Regnerus, 2017). Understanding these cultural differences is essential for developing supportive policies and programs that facilitate healthy transitions across diverse societies.

References

• Arnett, J. J. (2000). The emergence of emerging adulthood: A theory of development from the late teens through the twenties. American Psychologist, 55(5), 469–480.
• Arnett, J. J. (2014). Emerging adulthood: The winding road from the late teens through the twenties. Oxford University Press.
• Regnerus, M. (2017). Sexual decision making and emotional health in emerging adulthood. Journal of Adolescent Health, 60(2), 152–157.
• Mark Regnerus. (2017). Society's Changing Definition of Adulthood. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 46(4), 756–768.
• Jeffrey Jensen Arnett. (2014). Emerging Adulthood: The Winding Road from the Late Teens through the Twenties. Oxford University Press.