There are four resources this week including letters from readers of the New York Times article about 20-somethings:
1.What is your general reaction to the idea that young adults are taking longer to reach some of the milestones of earlier generations? What did you like about it and/or dislike? Do you think it is problematic that Americans today are reaching adult milestones later in life than previous generations? Why or why not?
2.Are these changes evidence of a new developmental stage as suggested by Jeff Arnett? What is the psychological profile of emerging adulthood, according to Arnett? What do you think of the psychological profile of emerging adulthood Arnett presents? Do you think it is accurate? Is anything missing, or should any elements be removed? Justify your answers. Do you think the “prolongation of this unsettled time of life” is a good or a bad thing? Why?
3.Do you think that only the privileged get to actually experience emerging adulthood? Do the less privileged move directly from adolescence to adulthood? Why or why not? Do you think it’s a good idea to let 20-somethings “meander” before they settle down? Why or why not? Take into account Erikson’s theory of identity development when answering.
Sample Solution