Early Middle Adulthood Flashcards
What are two major culture changes we’ve experienced in the Early Middle Adulthood stage of life (since the 1950s time period)?
- the meaning of marriage (gender roles)
- the nature of work (gender roles)
Why do a man and woman get married? (Mayan)
A man and woman get married because a man needs a woman to cook his tortillas and a woman needs him to grow her corn. (Interdependence to sustain the family)
Why do a man and woman get married? (USA)
Getting married is a way to show family and friends that you have a successful personal life. It’s the ultimate merit badge. (emphasis on the individual, personal choice, personal achievement, not based off survival)
Historically, what has marriage been based off of in the United States?
Marriage based off practical terms: Kinship network, sustaining resources, shorter life expectancy, procreation.
In the 1950s (mid 20th century) society was made up largely of “wealth suburbia”, what did this culture consist of?
Idealization of traditional gender roles and marriage taking place in a person’s 20s (this idea has been maintained for almost half a century).
What is the culture around marriage in our 21st century?
Marriage has become about individual fulfillment. It has become de-institutionalization, instead transformed to focus on personal choice..
What are the 3 components of Sternberg’s Triangular Theory?
1) Passion (sexual arousal)
2) Intimacy (feelings of closeness)
3) Commitment (marriage or exclusive, lifelong relationships)
What is the ideal state in regards to love in Sternberg’s Triangular Theory?
Consummate love; combines passion, intimacy, and commitment.
When is a very critical time in marriage?
The first 4 years (the shift from passionate to compassionate love; from intensity to familiarity.
What two points of Sternberg’s triangle make up ROMANTIC LOVE?
Intimacy + Passion
What two points of Sternberg’s triangle make up COMPANIONATE MARRIAGE?
Intimacy + Commitment (long married happy couple)
What two points of Sternberg’s triangle make up PURELY SEXUAL MARRAGES?
Passion + Commitment
In a national sample what percent of WIVES reported they were “very intensely in love”?
40% of wives (affection more important than sex)
In a national sample what percent of HUSBANDS reported they were “very intensely in love”?
35% of husbands (affection more important than sex)
The “Expanding Self”
(keeps passion alive)
feeling powerful, special, life is exhilarating and exciting, with that other special person just adds to this feeling + higher level of satisfaction to the couples that went out and did exciting things together.
