Question

Many consider early and middle adulthood times of relatively little growth, but adults encounter a multitude of tasks and changes during these phases. For instance, the quality of relationships change, vocational choice might be solidified, formal education might be completed, parenting responsibilities might be present, and changes in physical capacities might set limits on behavior. An adult's perceived success or failure can influence his/her sense of self and ability to accomplish tasks and navigate changes in early and middle adulthood.

In the United States, individuation is an important aspect of adulthood. Individuation refers to processes by which you become a unique individual with a distinct sense of identity. The process is sometimes identified as separation-individuation (Berger, 2016). Adulthood is the period in which roles change from that of a dependent child to a more autonomous individual with different responsibilities and commitments.

Boucher and Maslach (2009) discuss how the type of culture—individualistic or collectivistic—can influence the degree of individuation. Think about how cultural differences can influence the changes that adults face during early and middle adulthood. The influence of culture on these changes impacts individuation. Consider collectivist societies that value conformity over individuality. How does that impact an individual's sense of uniqueness?

1. Select one aspect of adulthood (identity development, vocational development, relationships, or parenting).

2. Post a description of the aspect of adulthood you selected.

3. Then, explain individuation in terms of that aspect. Include an explanation of the challenges that might influence individuation.

4. Be specific and provide examples from the Learning Resources. Use proper APA format and citations.

Answer 1

If we were to take the variable of identity development under the umbrella of Adulthood, we could juxtapose two cultures in particular that are representative of the two facets under discussion: individualistic society and a collective society. We can take the States as representative of the former and India as a representative of the latter.  

Within India family is considered to be a vital organ of the society. The concept of nuclear family did have a visible spillover owing to urbanization and industrialization, and masses displacing in order to look for employment opportunities; although the paradigm of joint family does not merely exist, but thrives. A lot of the families within India still give heed to the idea of an entire family from the paternal side living together under one roof. Of course, there are certain tribes that follow the opposite, that is, maternal side of the family living together, but the former is more widely prevalent. The consequence of this collectiveness being that children in such families, who are on the conduit of adolescence and maturity, take relatively longer to develop their own identity as they are constantly confronted by varied ideologies. Also, within such cultures there is an air of protection (or even overprotection) where te children are given a chance to explore their independence, which is a conduit to individuation, at a comparatively later stage.

Whereas in the States it is almost an antithesis of the aforementioned situation, if not completely. At the micro level, the nuclear family system is proliferate. And children are provided with the chance to explore their independence as they strike 18 years of age, at the university level they are provided with the freedom to start working jobs that suit them. This presents opportunity to the individual start rediscovering themselves, separate themselves from the collective identity of their parents and family, and be able to jot down a separate philosophy of life. Formulation of this phase is of chief importance as it paces the identity development of the individual leading to individuation.