Wednesday, December 4, 2013

week 14 post 1


In the beginning of this chapter the author discusses two major theories by both Erikson and Maslow. Just to discuss Erikson’s stages of adulthood a little bit, his theory begins with Identity Versus Role Confusion is basically dealing with identity concerns which can be a long term issue with all of throughout our lives. This involves collaboration between values and traditions from childhood, with their current social context.  There are four types of identity that we are continuously plagued by us during are adult life are sexual/gender, vocational/work, religious/ spiritual, and political/ethnic. I honestly have to stay that I agree with Erikson because throughout our lives we are faced with so many different situation and were always changing.
                The second stage in his adulthood theory is Intimacy Versus Isolation. This stage discusses adults seeking intimacy and or a close, reciprocal connection with another human being. Erikson elaborates saying that intimacy is mutual and is not self-absorbing, in other words adults need to devote time and energy to one another. Isolation generally happens when divorce or death interrupts intimate relationships. While ideally I know that we all crave for someone to share our lives with not all of us ends up how we envision it with that special person. The way how society is going a lot of people are considered isolate but the cause is not by death or divorce but just the way of life. Not that much people are concerned with settling with just one person.
                The third stage is Generosity Versus Stagnation deals with adults needing to take care of the next generation by raising their own children, mentoring, teaching or helping younger people. At first the stage focused on and parenthood but later involved other ways to achieve generativity.  Adults extend beyond their household to their culture and their generation with ongoing care and creativity and sacrifice. This is an interesting concept I have seen such things done before especially on the cultural side of it and actually admire the way how people go about caring for others.

                This the last stage in this theory it’s the Integrity Versus Despair which deals with integrity and the importance of it. According to Erikson integrity and the goal of combating prejudice and helping all humanity was too important to be left to the elderly. He also thought that t each person’s entire life could be directed towards connecting a personal journey with the historical and cultural purpose of human society , the ultimate achievement of integrity.  This is a wonderful way to live one’s life. Its always a great thing to give a helping had to those in need no matter what. Helping others is a great feeling 

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