The
final week and final blog post are here! After learning so much about lifespan
development, I feel as though I’m entering Erikson’s seventh stage of
psychosocial development – Generativity vs. Stagnation. I hope to remain
productive and relevant in this last post!
Chapter 13 ties all previous
information together by real world application of concepts covered throughout
the book. Fiore starts by saying, “This book began by asking you to think about
one of the most compelling questions in lifespan development: Why? And now you’ve
come to the final chapter of this book, a new question is likely on your mind: “Now
what?”.
The field of lifespan development
grew tremendously over the past century. What started as a field dedicated to
the study of developmental psychology has grown to become a complex
understanding of the fine inner workings of life and the world around us. Fiore
says, “Careers that utilize the knowledge of lifespan development will continue
to expand and evolve in the future. As mentioned in the previous chapter,
people are living longer and more active lives, wich affords more opportunities
for new jobs and research on individual and interpersonal levels” (Fiore 301).
Like my field of education, the
field of lifespan development is growing. Fiore says, “The current growth
potential for the field of lifespan development is distinguished by a
convergence of interests (political, social, economic) that makes this a unique
time in history – one rich with opportunity, but also fraught with controversy”
(Fiore 303). The growing field of lifespan
development provides new leadership opportunities, career choices, and
considerations for our leaders. Fiore mentions this fact, “Leadership in the
field of lifespan development involves coordinating existing networks of
individuals and organizations, and reaching local, state, and national levels
to advance specific interests” (Fiore 304). That sounds a lot like education. My
role as a future teacher will be similar in that, there must be strong
leadership, coordination of individuals, and advancement of specific interests
(music).
Finally, the field of lifespan
development will be furthered through advocacy. Fiore says, “When the efforts
of a person or group change others’ everyday experiences, the results are
sometimes large enough to result in new thinking and behavior in the field.
Leadership can frame the future, but policy ensures that change in enforced in
a uniform way. Just as there is advocacy for the arts, and other issues close
to voters, advocacy for the continuation of lifespan development will provide a
foundation of research and answers for generations to come.
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