3 Identity and the Life Course Free Online FlashCards

What is identity?

Identity is a person’s sense of who they are, shaped through social interaction and their positions in society.

What is socialization?

Socialization is the lifelong process of learning cultural norms, values, skills, and social roles.

What is a life-course trajectory?

A trajectory is a longer-term pathway in a person’s life, such as education, work, or family life.

What shapes the timing and meaning of life-course pathways?

Their timing and meaning depend on social expectations, opportunities, historical period, and relationships with others.

What do children commonly learn through early socialization?

Children learn language, routines, emotional expression, rules, and relationship expectations, usually with family and caregivers as central influences.

How does identity exploration often develop during adolescence?

Adolescents may explore interests, appearance, beliefs, and group affiliations while balancing expectations from family, peers, and institutions.

Why does socialization continue during adulthood?

Adults continue socialization as they enter or change roles in work, relationships, parenting, civic life, and community.

How can identity persist through changes in later life?

People draw on prior relationships, skills, and experiences while adjusting to new roles; aging does not erase accumulated identity.

What is resocialization?

Resocialization is learning new norms and roles while unlearning patterns that no longer fit a changed social environment.

How do people exercise agency during socialization?

People interpret social expectations and may accept, adapt, or challenge them rather than simply receiving them passively.

What is a life-course transition?

A transition is a change from one role or status to another, such as starting school, becoming a parent, or retiring.

When does a transition become a turning point?

A turning point is a transition that redirects a person’s longer-term path or self-understanding.