After reading this chapter, the student should be able to address the following:
List types of "initiation into adulthood" activities in the mainstream U.S. culture. What are some of the activities that feature prominently in subcultural groups in the United States?
Discuss the role of self-defined initiation rites such as those found in delinquency (e.g., gangs); in elements of counterculture (e.g., "head-bangers" or Goths); and in organized sports.
Discuss how early adulthood signifies the peak in physical development.
Explore and discuss the lifestyle choices that promote physical and mental health; contrast the lifestyle choices that have been shown to be detrimental to physical and mental health.
Discuss organ reserve and its role in affecting the perception of abilities as we age.
Explore the consequences of such lifestyle choices as eating habits, foods, and obesity; use and abuse of alcohol; use of tobacco in various forms; exercise and its effect on physical fitness and appearance.
List Perry's nine stages of intellectual/ethical development, and identify ways an individual may become delayed or deflected in this developmental sequence.
Explain gender role orientation and gender role expectations.
Discuss the concept of androgyny.
Summarize the findings on dating, premarital experiences, and marital practices of young adults.
Discuss the problems associated with stereotypical gender roles.
Explore the advantages and disadvantages of "pack dating."
Define what is meant by male gender identity and female identity. How do they "fit" into the context of post-feminism?
Discuss the male-oriented quality among primary theories of adult development.
Discuss Levinson's adult life cycle and his theory of adult development as it relates specifically to men and to women.
Explain Erikson's stage of intimacy versus isolation.
Examine Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love.
List three examples of Sternberg's "love stories."
Discuss changes that have occurred regarding American marriage and families. Include the trends across decades of political, economic, and social change in mainstream society.
Compare and contrast the different types of marriage.
Explain the importance of a work identity in development.
Explore the social trends of the dual-career family.
Describe alternative ways to structure one's workday and impacts on the family.
