Chapter 10
NOTES

Again, I recommend information about developmental issues from the George Madison web site.
Adolescent issues can be found at the ADOL website (this site doesn't work on Netscape)
Aging related issues can be found at the AARP website.

Chapter 10 exercises - Development - puberty to death. NOTE: Make sure that you reword this information in YOUR words. If you just copy word for word from the book or links, the assignment will not count. In addition, if you can't find the material on the web site, try using your book.

*EXERCISE 1 - Becoming an adult
Many cultures have "rites of passage" for adolescence- that is, some type of ceremony that moves a person from childhood to adulthood. Typically, there are 3 parts:
    Separation - removing or yielding former roles or social status
    Transition - the time between separation and reincorporation in which challenges are met, lore
            is imparted, oaths are taken, changes are made, etc. There is some preparation or
            instruction from an elder and then a ceremony which may include spiritual cleansing,
            physical transformation, special attire, food, traditional music
    Reincorporation - the welcoming back into the new role or status in the community
It is traditionally a time, not only for teaching and change, but also for celebration. Erikson defined this stage at the identity crisis stage. Think about what might be a rite of passage from child-adolescence-adulthood. While many religions have one, it doesn't have to be religious. Define what Erikson means by identity crisis (for more information about Erikson and his 8 stages). You are to explain what the rite is about (what the person must do in order to move to the next level) and when it is traditionally done.

*EXERCISE 2
1. What makes a successful marriage - First - how many people get marriage in a year? How many people get divorced (info found here)?
2. What is/are the top criteria for a successful marriage - or the reasons why people get divorced (info found here)? What are some of the factors that could contribute to divorce?
3a. What impact might this have on the children of the marriage - when is divorce a "good thing" for the family? What other negative consequences can occur particularly for the ex-wife? The general info page can be found here. You might also try this site. Or this one .
3b. Now - look at the Council on Contemporary Families - go to Fact Sheets and look under the sections in which it discusses divorce (there are a few). What claims about divorce on children are made there?
 

*EXERCISE 3 - Moral development
Kohlberg stated that moral development occurs in stages. This site can help you understand his theory better (short game).

  1. What are the 3 basic levels of moral development according to Kohlberg?
  2. Come up with as many reasons as possible both for and against one of the behaviors listed below. Then classify each of the excuses given according to Kohlberg's model (which are preconventional, conventional, postconventional)? If you need some help coming up with reasons, ask your friends for reasons.
  1. Exceeding the speed limit
  2. Cheating in school
  3. Getting involved in a war
  1. What are the major criticisms of Kohlberg's model?
*EXERCISE 4 - The media and aging stereotypes
Observe how the elderly are represented by the media. Look at greeting cards, magazines, newspaper articles, cartoons, advertising, television shows that represent elderly people, etc. What common themes seem to run throughout? What positive and negative stereotypes are portrayed? Do they seem different for men versus women? Have these stereotypes had any impact on your attitudes toward aging? Take this quiz to see - which ones did you get wrong?

*EXERCISE 5 - Culture and aging
Chose 2 cultures and summarize what you have learned about that culture and aging.