Emerging adulthood through the lens of social identity

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Emerging Adulthood and Higher Education: A New Student Development Paradigm

Publication Date

1-1-2018

Abstract

In this chapter, the authors consider the ways socially constructed identities influence how emerging adulthood is conceptualized and understood. They begin with their shared assumptions about student development and review of key terms. The authors review the existing emerging adulthood literature and the extent to which it considers varied lived experiences and developmental trajectories based on individuals’ socially constructed identities. Social class “is an experience of shared economic circumstances and shared social and cultural practices in relation to positions of power”. As emerging adults explore their identities, racially minoritized individuals do not have the privilege to ignore race and the effects of racism while their White peers can. It is essential to use a race-conscious lens to conceptualize identity exploration during emerging adulthood. Regardless of sexual orientation, many emerging adults express a desire to be in a long-term, monogamous relationship and to become parents. J. J. Arnett was cognizant of how gender roles influence the transition from adolescence into adulthood.

First Page

42

Last Page

57

DOI

10.4324/9781315623405-4

ISBN

9781317225911,9781138654136

Link to Full Text

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