Kegan's Theory Of Early Adulthood

INTRODUCTION
1.1 SOCIAL MATURITY
Development is essential aspect for the individual as well as for the process of socialization. It is also a fact that maturity marks the end of growth and development. In some aspects of development, maturity in terms of structure and function comes of fairly early age, whereas in others it comes later. Development depends upon the maturation and learning which is concerned with the force, inside as well as outside of the individual. Generally there are three types of maturity viz., physical, psychological and social maturity. So a person who has characteristic of awareness of his roles in the group desire, to keep pace in social life, sense of fair play, considerate about the treatment of others, willingness

Social immaturity in children is both a societal problem and also a personal problem for affected individuals, their families and schools. Kegan described a theory of how people become progressively more socially mature across their lifespan. Though a wholly original and creative contribution, Kegan’s theory borrows heavily from earlier developmental theorists, most notably from Jean Piaget. He described how children’s ability to think develops from birth through early adulthood. He theorized that children pass through predictable developmental stages in which their mind develops in complexity and appreciation (ability to accurately understand) of reality. Piaget proposed four basic stages through which the development of thinking abilities must pass. He labeled these stages “Sensorimotor” (0-2),” Pre-Operational” (2-5),” Concrete-Operations” (6-10), Formal-Operations” (11 to

Social maturity is the process of appropriate attitudes for personal, interpersonal and social adequacies of an individual which are essential for functioning effectively in the society. Hurlock (1997) said that a socially mature individual confirms not so much because he approves of existing patterns of behavior or because of fear of others but to realize that each individual must be willing to fit his wishes into the pattern approved by the group as a whole. Man is basically a social animal. His existence without social set up can hardly be imagined. He is born in a society, develops in a society works and progresses in a society. Social maturity increases as age increases for normal human beings. There are various factors behind the social maturity of an individual. Parents, family members, neighbors, peer group, society, etc. expect him to behave in the way acceptable to the society. Adolescents are expected more by the society in which they live.They learn to be in a group, share and care for others, respect the norms and values of the society. The present curriculum does not have adequate scope for developing such qualities. It is only knowledge-oriented. Therefore children do not know how to behave properly with their elders, family members and neighborhood etc. The true education largely depends upon the minds of the learners with endless powers. Now-a-days academic achievement has become the main aim of education which in turn leads to higher