Why Is "Growing Up" More Difficult to Define Than It

question 31

Essay

Why is "growing up" more difficult to define than it used to be? What are the achievements that lead people to say that someone has become an adult? Why is adolescence longer than it was several generations ago? What difference does social class position make in the time frame for "growing up"?

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Definitions:

Operant Response

A behavioral response that is influenced by the consequences that follow it, central to B.F. Skinner's operant conditioning theory.

Entity Theory

In Dweck’s theory of motivation, an individual’s belief that abilities are fixed and unchangeable.

Incremental Theory

In Dweck’s theory of motivation, an individual’s belief that abilities can increase with experience and practice.

Ability

The capacity or competence to perform or achieve a specific task or skill.