Analusis of What Is It about 20-SomethingsArticle by Robin Marantz Henig - Article Example

In the present society as depicted in most of the mass media, 20-somethings, or people who belong to the young adult group are having problematic issues regarding independence and capacity to have an established life. The said issue related to young adults is considered as a cause of concern in society due to the lack of social order it entails. Instead of following a course of life in stages, people are beginning to find confusion in the fact that stability cannot be defined during adulthood anymore in fact an increasing number of people are going back to school regardless of the age.

According to different views, the problems of the 20-somethings can mirror the problematic state of the society such as lack of good jobs that can support new and young families. In fact, people in their twenties often change jobs before reaching adulthood (Par 1-6)There are different studies related to 20-somethings. One of the said studies was undertaken by Jeffrey Jensen Arnett of Clark University in Worcester, the 20s should be considered as a “distinct life stage” referred to as emerging adulthood.

He compared the need for the new stage in the recognition of the stage of adolescence a century ago. People ages 18 to late 20s have similar actions of continuously seeking their own niche in the socio-cultural structure in terms of job, personal relationships, and livelihood. Exploration of “a sense of possibility” summarizes the different components of the psychological profile of the 20-somethings prior to age 30 which is considered as the deadline. It would be helpful to understand the said stage by segregating it but the said action can also result in repercussions not only for policymakers but for the young and emerging adults themselves (Par. 7-12). Arnett faces criticism and contradictions with regards to his point of view but using his 10-year research to make his case, he was able to get the attention of some developmental psychology experts (Par.13-21). As a result, Jeniffer Lyn Tanner, a developmental psychologist at Rutgers University established the first conference on Society for the Study of the Emerging Adulthood in 2003 which continuously grows in attendance each year.

Prior to Arnett’s view, Yale psychologist Kenneth Keniston in 1970 already took notice of the age group he described as “can’t seem to ‘settle down’ group” which Arnett considered supporting his ideas. Keniston referred to them as post-adolescent with “the feeling of absolute freedom, of living in a world of pure possibilities” wherein “change, movement and transformation” are paramount (Par. 22-26). The “20 Something Manifesto” by Arnett and a Los Angeles Writer Christine Hassler explore different accounts of people in the said age (Par. 27-35).Arnett’s view had been explored but he himself presented that emerging adulthood is not a definite stage experience by the whole population but only by a part.

The lack of universality is the main criticism of his view but there are facilities that focus on emerging adulthood (Par. 36-43). The Yellowbrick for example is a facility for psychiatric treatment of emerging adults with issues on substance abuse, eating disorders, depression, etc. (Par. 44-51).