Abstract
Social psychologists, sociologists and educationalists discuss socialization in somewhat differing ways. Our focus is on reviewing these theories and underpinnings in the context of older adults perceptions of aging. We are interested in unpacking sociological perspectives on life transitions. The cliched empty nest is commonly heard, albeit is used interchangeably by some as a transition and others as milestone. The questions we focus on are around how life milestones are defined, how aging is perceived and how perceptions about transitions are shaped. On one hand, an order of milestones might be seen as offering structure, on the other hand, it might become a motivational crutch for those who might be overly caught with moving from one milestone to another. We inquire if the structure of milestones, broadly speaking, is seen as a result of socialization. Epistemological studies have long debated nature over nurture, with young adult and child behavior taking up much of their attention. Studies of older adults deserve to be discussed as much, but have not garnered mainstream attention. The questions we bring to bear in our literary inquiry are centered around the role of culture and society in the manifesting of the conception of age in older adults. By means of a meta-analysis of existing literature we intend to analyze key properties of milestones and life transition concepts. The underlying aim of our work is to develop an informed conceptual model towards laying out a frame for thinking about how older adults make sense of age.
Presenters
Anjli NarwaniStudent, PhD Candidate in Educational Psychology, Masters of Education, The University of Michigan, Michigan, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Social and Cultural Perspectives on Aging
KEYWORDS
Social psychology, Life transitions, Milestones, Culture, Society, Sociology
