Open Educational Resources
Document Type
Textbook
Publication Date
Summer 7-4-2025
Abstract
Abstract
This paper offers a comprehensive examination of socialization and identity development through a comparative lens, focusing on American, Chinese, and Japanese cultures. It explores how distinct cultural values—individualism, loyalty, and cooperation—shape personal and collective identities from childhood through old age. Utilizing the life course perspective, the analysis considers how factors such as generation, socioeconomic status, race, and gender influence the trajectory of human development. The evolution of childhood is traced across historical and cultural contexts, highlighting shifting perceptions, the impact of industrialization on children's roles, and the persistent influence of class and ethnicity on access to education and well-being. Central to the discussion is Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development, which frames identity formation as a lifelong process unfolding through eight critical stages, each marked by unique challenges and opportunities for growth. The paper further investigates how adulthood and old age are navigated, emphasizing the interplay between personal aspirations, societal expectations, and the growing awareness of mortality. By integrating sociological, psychological, and historical insights, this study elucidates the complex tapestry of human development and underscores the importance of cultural context and intergenerational dialogue in shaping identity across the lifespan.
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Civic and Community Engagement Commons, Community-Based Learning Commons, Community-Based Research Commons, Demography, Population, and Ecology Commons, Family, Life Course, and Society Commons, Gender and Sexuality Commons, Gerontology Commons, Inequality and Stratification Commons, Politics and Social Change Commons, Social Psychology and Interaction Commons, Sociology of Culture Commons, Theory, Knowledge and Science Commons
