Introduction
Emerging adulthood is a distinct phase of human development that spans the late teens through the mid-to-late twenties. Jeffrey Jensen Arnett, who coined the term, outlines five characteristics that define this period: identity exploration, instability, self-focus, a feeling of in-between, and possibilities or optimism. Nevertheless, the experience of emerging adulthood is not monolithic and can be greatly influenced by cultural and socioeconomic factors. This essay will delve into the nuances of these features and explore the various ways emerging adulthood manifests across different cultural and socioeconomic contexts.
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Identity Exploration
The exploration of identity is a crucial aspect of emerging adulthood (Arnett, 2015). As young adults leave adolescence, they experience a sense of freedom to explore different aspects of life. They ponder their future aspirations, occupational prospects, ideologies, and relationships. They seek to understand who they are, what they want, and how they fit into society (Côté, 2019). This phase allows them to investigate and experiment with various life paths before making more permanent commitments, offering them the opportunity to build a stable, self-determined identity.
Instability
Arnett (2015) characterizes this life stage as one of significant instability, with frequent changes in residence, education, and relationships. This instability can lead to stress and anxiety, but it is also seen as necessary for exploration and identity formation. These changes, although potentially stressful, are an integral part of the exploration process. They facilitate self-discovery and allow emerging adults to experience different life paths before making definite commitments.
Self-focus
Emerging adulthood is a period primarily focused on self-development. It is a time when individuals are free from the dependency of childhood and adolescence but are yet to take on the full responsibilities of adulthood (Arnett, 2015). With fewer societal expectations and responsibilities, emerging adults can focus on their self-improvement and personal growth. They can invest time and energy in education, work, and the cultivation of personal interests and hobbies, thereby building a solid foundation for their future adult roles.
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Feeling In-between
Arnett (2015) found that most emerging adults do not see themselves as entirely adults but rather perceive themselves as being in a transitional phase. They often feel they are taking more responsibility for themselves, but still do not completely feel like an adult. This in-between feeling reflects the transitional nature of this stage, providing them with the opportunity to gradually take on adult roles and responsibilities at their own pace.
Possibilities/Optimism
Despite the uncertainties and challenges, emerging adulthood is a time of high optimism and great potential (Arnett, 2015). Emerging adults often believe that they can transform their lives in a positive direction. They have high hopes for the future, believing in their potential to achieve their dreams and make significant contributions to society.
While these characteristics generally define emerging adulthood, it is crucial to acknowledge that this developmental phase is not universally experienced. The duration, nature, and even the existence of emerging adulthood can significantly vary across cultures and socio-economic backgrounds (Nelson & Luster, 2015; Baggio, Iglesias, Studer, & Gmel, 2018).
Culturally, in Western societies, the prolongation of education and delayed marriage and parenthood has contributed to the extension of this developmental phase (Baggio et al., 2018). Young people in these societies often spend several years in post-secondary education and early-career jobs, thus delaying the onset of traditional adult roles.
On the other hand, in non-Western and traditional societies, the transition from adolescence to adulthood is often more direct, with social roles and responsibilities of adulthood adopted at an earlier age (Iqbal & Shahnawaz, 2020). For example, in some cultures, immediately after adolescence, individuals may undertake adult responsibilities such as marriage, parenthood, and full-time work.
Socio-economic status can also greatly influence the experiences of emerging adulthood. In economically advantaged populations, young people have more resources and opportunities to explore their identities, seek higher education, and delay marriage and parenthood, thus extending their emerging adulthood (Henrich, Heine, & Norenzayan, 2020). In contrast, those from disadvantaged backgrounds may experience a truncated period of emerging adulthood. Limited resources may force them into adult roles and responsibilities earlier, reducing the time for exploration and self-development (Henrich et al., 2020).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the concept of emerging adulthood encapsulates a unique and formative phase in human development, hallmarked by identity exploration, instability, self-focus, a sense of being in-between, and a surge of optimism about life’s possibilities. Yet, the manifestation and duration of emerging adulthood can be significantly nuanced by cultural and socioeconomic contexts. While this stage may extend over several years for some, granting them ample time for exploration and self-development, it may be shortened or even absent for others, requiring them to take on adult roles earlier. The construct of emerging adulthood, therefore, not only offers critical insights into a formative life stage but also highlights the diversity of human development trajectories across different cultures and socioeconomic strata. Further research in this area may continue to elucidate the complexities and diversities in the journey from adolescence to full-fledged adulthood.
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References
Arnett, J. J. (2015). Emerging adulthood: The winding road from the late teens through the twenties. Oxford University Press.
Baggio, S., Iglesias, K., Studer, J., & Gmel, G. (2018). An 8-Item Short Form of the Inventory of Dimensions of Emerging Adulthood (IDEA) Among Young Swiss Men. Evaluation & the Health Professions, 41(3), 361–378.
Côté, J. E. (2019). The dangerous myth of emerging adulthood: An evidence-based critique of a flawed developmental theory. Applied Developmental Science, 23(4), 439-448.
Henrich, J., Heine, S., & Norenzayan, A. (2020). Most people are not WEIRD. Nature, 466(7302), 29-33.
Iqbal, S., & Shahnawaz, M. G. (2020). Emerging adulthood in India: The role of culture and social context. South Asian Journal of Psychology, 1(2), 100-113.
Nelson, L. J., & Luster, S. S. (2015). Emerging adulthood in the face of social change: Applying Arnett’s theory to populations around the globe. Emerging Adulthood, 3(1), 64-77.