Concept
Life Course Theory emphasizes that human development is a lifelong process influenced by individual choices, historical events, and social contexts. It underscores the importance of timing, transitions, and the interplay between individual lives and societal changes in shaping life trajectories.
Concept
Developmental milestones are specific skill sets and abilities that most children achieve by a certain age, serving as checkpoints for typical child development. They help parents and professionals identify potential developmental delays or disorders, facilitating early intervention and support.
Concept
Cultural norms are the shared expectations and rules that guide behavior of people within social groups, shaping everything from daily routines to moral judgments. These norms are learned and reinforced through socialization, and they can vary significantly between different societies, influencing how individuals perceive and interact with the world.
Concept
The 'social clock' refers to the culturally specific timeline that dictates when certain life events should occur, such as marriage, career milestones, or retirement. It influences individual behavior and societal expectations, often causing stress or anxiety when personal timelines deviate from these norms.
Concept
Role transitions refer to the process individuals undergo when they move between different roles or statuses, often involving changes in identity, behavior, and expectations. Successfully navigating these transitions requires adaptability and can significantly impact personal and professional development.
Concept
Life Span Development is the study of how individuals grow and change throughout their entire life, from conception to death, considering physical, cognitive, and socioemotional dimensions. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors in shaping human development across different stages of life.
Concept
Age grading refers to the social and cultural expectations associated with certain ages, influencing behaviors, roles, and activities deemed appropriate for individuals at different life stages. It plays a crucial role in shaping identity and societal norms by dictating age-specific milestones and transitions, such as starting school, entering the workforce, or retiring.
Concept
Predictable life changes refer to transitions or events in life that can be anticipated based on typical human development or societal norms, such as graduating school, entering the workforce, or retiring. Understanding these changes helps individuals and organizations prepare for and manage the associated challenges and opportunities effectively.
Concept
Age-graded influences are predictable life events and experiences that are strongly correlated with chronological age, affecting individuals' development in consistent ways across different cultures and societies. These influences include biological changes, social role transitions, and cultural expectations that typically occur at certain ages, such as starting school, entering the workforce, or retiring.
3