Question

In this unit, we learned about Erikson’s sixth psychosocial stage, intimacy versus isolation. Erikson said that people need “concrete affiliations and partnerships,” and yet fewer young adults today are getting married or becoming parents, compared to generations before. Based on your understanding of cognitive, emotional and social characteristics of young adults, why are their intimacy needs so strong? Despite strong needs for intimacy, why do you think fewer are marrying?

Answer 1

Intimacy vs isolation is a stage where going adults feel two contradictory sentiments simultaneously. One need is to have some sense of independence and isolation and the other is to have intimacy. But, in contemporary times, fewer young adults are getting into marriages, despite having the strong desire for intimacy. This can be attributed to the fact that more youngsters are becoming more career conscious and are waiting until full blown independence (including financial) in order to get into a serious intimate relationship.

This is also in light of the fact that people are having more freedom in terms of selection of partner, without the pressure of parents and society which is also responsible for fewer getting married or starting families. The need for independence amidst stringent competition has taken the front seat and intimacy, despite its need still being present, has taken the back burner.