HDEV 180 Lecture Notes - Lecture 51: Social Comparison Theory
Document Summary
Ages 17-22, many construct a dream: an image of them in the adult world which guides their decision-making. Young adults may form relationships with mentors who facilitates realization of the dream. If preoccupied by career, then finding a life partner becomes important. Women who focused more on marriage and motherhood often develop more individualistic goals. Culminating life structure for men means to settle down: by focusing on certain relationships and aspirations, establish a stable niche in society that is consistent with their values. Women have a different experience, may feel unsettled in their 30"s due to the addition of an occupational or relationship commitment. The social clock: age-graded expectations for major life events. All societies have social clocks or timetables. Being on or off time :have a profound effect on self esteem due to social comparison. Personality change: depends on whether an individual conforms or departs from the timetable.
