Reflection on Erikson’s theory

Reflection on Erikson’s theory

By Katherine Gutkes

EDI 17 Psychology & Development of Adolescent Students

School of Education
Long Island University, C. W. Post
February 2, 2010

I really enjoyed today’s lesson. Having studied Erickson’s stages before, I find that, for the most part, I agree with many of the characteristics of the stages Erickson presents. However, I have to say that I feel Erickson’s Middle Age stage is a bit outdated. I have an aunt and an uncle who are middle age and have no children, but I would not call them stagnated. They both are very focused on their careers and hobbies and fill their days doing the things that make them both happy. Although they have no children, they are big animal lovers who, along with having two schnauzer of their own, donate much money and time to the helping of animal shelters as well as families in need. They are also very caring and involved in their nieces and nephews lives.

By Erickson’s definition, then, are they not generative in their actions? By helping others, are they not also in their own respects forwarding the lives of others? What I mean to ask, really, is could Erickson’s definition be broadened to mean not only that we, as people, seek to reproduce to further our society but, rather, we seek to help out our society, either by helping the less fortunate or being involved in the lives of family members?