Sociological Factors In Adulthood

This case study will explore the sociological factors that affected my experiences during childhood and while transitioning into young adulthood. Specific factors such as the effects of class, gender and historical events will be examined on how they can affect an individual’s transition from childhood into young adulthood. This case study will focus on macro-sociology approach and the life course approach. It will, therefore, look at the sociological conditions in relation to historical events and age and how this was experienced by me over time (Macionis and Plummer, 2012).

The first factor to affect someone’s experience throughout their life course is social class. According to a survey designed by Mike Savage and Fiona Devine called the

Education in our society is not necessarily followed by employment (Green, 2010). However, we are still expected to study in order to increase our chances for employment. My parents worked hard in order to be able to provide for us and to give us the ability get an education in order to get a well-paid job, so we would not struggle later in life. In my family, we were all expected to study. That in a way put pressure on me to meet the expectations my family and society had. Throughout my adolescence, I always considered following a caring career preferably related to the healthcare. At first, I considered pursuing Medicine, however, for reasons I am yet not sure I choose not to. I will therefore, continue to study Psychology. My decision towards my studies I believe was probably influenced by society. My parents did not consider gender a factor affecting my career choice. However, friends and relatives that believed so perhaps affected my decision to follow Psychology instead of Medicine by making me consider whether I will be able to succeed in Medicine. It is considered that all cultures are characterized by inequality amongst genders (Underwood and Rosen, 2013). Therefore, according to social construction, I followed a path that society would expect me to follow (Macionis and Plummer, 2012). Additionally, my gender did

A cohort is a category of people that usually have common attitudes and characteristics and are affected by the same historical events and trends related to the economy and culture (Macionis and Plummer, 2012). The financial crisis and the economy have affected my cohort and will continue to do so. Reports show that more young people remain in education for longer (Morrow and Richards, 1996). Even though education does not equal employment, young people choose to spend more time in education because the probability of getting employment later will be higher. Additionally, young people tend to be offered financial support from parents and are able to get student loans in order to continue and finish their studies. I chose to study abroad and I, therefore, moved to the UK despite the higher tuition fees because an international degree is more desirable for employment later on. However, without a tuition loan and financial support from my parents, I would not be able to do that. Following a degree in the UK and later on a Master’s would result in me having a high debt later on. Additionally, since education does not equal employment I might need to return home and live with my parents until I find employment that would provide me with a salary to be able to live independently. Therefore, despite the expectations for young people to become adults and live independently the millennial cohort is suffering from