Social and Developmental Theories Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering social death theory, Murstein's filters, family functions, developmental theories (Erikson, Loevinger, Levinson, etc.), and sociological frameworks.

Social death theory

A theory stating there is a mutual withdrawal of older people and society because of peoples unfamiliarity with fear of death.

Theory of random change

Suggests that non-normative events cause change in identity as individuals adapt to new roles.

Murstein's Filter Theory

A theory by Bernard Murstein suggesting dating allows individuals to shift through potential partners using finer filters to select a compatible spouse.

Physical maintenance

A family function that includes caring for adults, children, and older members when they are vulnerable.

Socialization of children

A family function that teaches skills, knowledge, values, and attitudes so children can work and relate to others in adult roles.

Social control

A family function responsible for controlling member behavior to maintain order and protect the family's reputation.

Affective nurturance

A family function that maintains morale and motivates participation in society through spiritual duty or economic necessity.

Production and consumption of Goods and services

An economic family function where individuals sell skills to earn income to purchase goods for their families.

Microsystem

A developmental theory term referring to each individual system.

Mesosystems

Small groups to which an individual belongs, with the family being one such group.

Exosystem

The socio-economic environment, which includes the external family and school.

Macrosystem

The socio-cultural environment and society in which a person lives.

Identity vs Role confusion

Erik Erikson's stage for adolescence to early adulthood focused on finding one's beliefs and identity.

Fidelity

The successful outcome of Identity vs Role confusion, where one is able to live by social values while staying true to oneself.

Intimacy vs isolation

Erik Erikson's stage focusing on the ability to form close relationships while maintaining a sense of identity.

Jane Loevinger

Creator of the Theory of Ego development, focusing on the autonomous self and the psychological clock.

Family Life Cycle Theory

A theory that examines development through family relationships and independent stages for young adults.

Life course theory (3 tasks)

Tasks including creating a separate identity from family, beginning career commitments, and building outside relationships.

Daniel Levinson

Developer of the Seasons of Life theory, focusing on life structure and the balance between dreams and social expectations.

Klaus Riegel

Proposed that adulthood development is not predictable and happens through interactions between internal and external exchanges.

Leonard Perlin

Developed the theory of psychological distress, rejecting fixed stages and viewing development as a continuous process driven by stress.

Jeffery Arnett

Proposed the theory of emerging adulthood for the period between ages $18$ and $25$.

Generativity

An Erikson concept involving an attitude of care, being a generous mentor, and focusing on the next generation.

Stagnation

An Erikson concept characterized by an attitude of exclusion, self-absorption, and a narrow scope of concern.

Functionalism

A sociological theory looking at how society is organized to perform tasks effectively, ensuring students or members follow expected roles.

System Theory

A sociological theory looking at how individuals interact as a system to maintain stability.

Symbolic interactionism

A psychological theory focusing on perceptions of self and others to understand the point of view of the actor.

Exchange theory

A psychological theory regarding how individuals make role choices by weighing costs and benefits.

Life course approach

An interdisciplinary approach examining biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors influencing development at various life stages.

Conflict theory

A theory suggesting societies are held together by power rather than mutual dependence between groups.

Feminist theory

Explains how sex and gender influence behavior and examines inequalities from a woman's perspective.

Ecological perspectives

A modern theory viewing individuals and families as members of interlocking systems that influence each other.