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ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS:
Instructions
The documentary, Generation Boomerang, examines parent-child relationships and the increasingly prevalent issue of adult children living with their parents. It focuses on how developmental milestones have shifted over time and how our societal expectations for achieving certain markers of independence and autonomy have been reconceptualized in early and middle adulthood. For this assignment, you will reflect on how these topics are connected to the course.
You will begin by watching the documentary Generation Boomerang (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUj0O-va2_0). Next, you will summarize the major points highlighted in the film in two pages (double-spaced) and reflect on what you learned (about the ideas discussed in this course) in two pages (double-spaced). Altogether, your paper should be four or more pages. Throughout your reflection paper, you will apply any significant concepts and ideas emphasized in your textbook (primarily in chapters 13–16) and describe how the documentary connects to the course, specifically regarding early and middle adulthood. Examples of topics that you will want to address are the following:
Explore how attending college influences developmental timelines in early adulthood and how this can vary depending on time, resources, and parental influences.>
Discuss the markers of emerging adulthood and how age is tied to status, success, and achievement perceptions.
Analyze socio-emotional, cognitive, and/or physical development changes that occur during early or middle adulthood and how these changes are associated with achieving developmental milestones and autonomy.
Examine factors affecting self-concept and personality in early and middle adulthood.
Address how family relationships are impacted when adult children live with their parents and how stress may affect social interactions.
Reflect on how gender, race, ethnicity, and/or sexuality could shape the experience of living at home with parents and describe how cross-cultural influences play a role.
To promote critical thinking, you will create one discussion question, place this question at the end of the last page of your reflection paper. This discussion question can be general. For example, a basic question about a topic in the documentary that stood out to you or you can ask a question that connects the film to current events or something else that you have read about in this course or another human services-related course. You will receive feedback in the comments section in Canvas. The feedback will be based on the grading rubric for this assignment.
Real Stories. (2020, November 28). Generation boomerang: Why won’t young adults leave home? [Video]. YouTube.
Submission
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HOW TO WORK ON THIS ASSIGNMENT (EXAMPLE ESSAY / DRAFT)
Summary of “Generation Boomerang” Documentary
“Generation Boomerang” is a documentary that explores the relationship between parents and adult children, and the growing trend of adult children living with their parents. The film delves into the shifts in developmental milestones and societal expectations for independence and autonomy in early and middle adulthood. It argues that the current generation is facing challenges in achieving these milestones, primarily due to the high cost of living, lack of job security, and shifting cultural norms.
The documentary showcases several individuals who are in their 20s and 30s and still living with their parents. It highlights the reasons why these individuals are unable to move out, such as student loan debt, the high cost of housing, and job insecurity. It also explores the impact of these challenges on parent-child relationships, as well as the stress and tensions that can arise from living in close quarters with family.
The film also touches on the influence of cultural and societal norms on adult children living with their parents. For example, it mentions that in some cultures, it is more acceptable for adult children to live with their parents, while in others, it is seen as a failure to achieve independence.
Reflection on “Generation Boomerang” and the Course
The “Generation Boomerang” documentary highlights several key concepts that are covered in chapters 13-16 of the textbook. One of the central themes is the influence of college on developmental timelines in early adulthood. The film argues that attending college often delays the achievement of independence and autonomy, due to the high cost of tuition and student loan debt. This is consistent with the textbook’s discussion of the role of education in shaping early adulthood, as well as the challenges that young adults face in achieving financial stability.
The documentary also touches on the markers of emerging adulthood, and how age is tied to success and achievement perceptions. It highlights the difficulties that young adults face in achieving independence, and how this can vary depending on time, resources, and parental influences. This is consistent with the textbook’s discussion of the challenges that young adults face in establishing their identities and achieving autonomy.
The film also explores socio-emotional, cognitive, and physical development changes that occur during early and middle adulthood. It highlights the impact of stress on social interactions, which is consistent with the textbook’s discussion of the role of stress in shaping personality and self-concept.
The documentary also touches on the impact of gender, race, ethnicity, and sexuality on the experience of living at home with parents. It mentions that cultural and societal norms can shape the experience of adult children living with their parents, which is consistent with the textbook’s discussion of cross-cultural influences on personality and self-concept.
Overall, the “Generation Boomerang” documentary provides a valuable perspective on the challenges faced by young adults in achieving independence and autonomy in early and middle adulthood. It highlights the importance of understanding the role of education, cultural and societal norms, and personal factors in shaping the experiences of young adults.
Discussion Question: How can societal expectations and cultural norms be changed to better support young adults in achieving independence and autonomy in early and middle adulthood?
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