Has society influenced or changed the concept of the social clock? My response is a resounding, yes! The social clock, the psychological timepiece that records the major milestones in a young adults life (Feldman, p. 480), has been turned on its head. Generation Next, those born between 1981 to 1988 (Berger, p. 448), are extending the identity moratorium by remaining in school and not conforming to the traditional time frames suggested by the social clock.

Allegedly, there was a time when the family structure consisted of a husband who went to work and a mom whose purpose in life was to be at home and care for her family’s needs. I recall watching episodes of “Leave it to Beaver” in syndication and being fascinated with the “all American” family. Later, I watched the “Cosby Show” and witnessed a new idea of the “American family” in which both parents worked outside the home. Within a 10 year time frame society had changed to the extent that it was acceptable for “mom” to work outside the home. Jump ahead another decade and society has shifted yet again to the view that not only is it acceptable for mom to work outside the home it is expected. These television programs represented the general tone of the culture during it’s time.

Although, the timing for the social clock has shifted I believe that the fundamental drive to settle down and start a family is intact. Despite the shift in timing, according to Ecclesiates 3:1-9, there is a time for all things in this life, you can put it off but it’s going happen whether you like it or not.

References
Berger, K. S. (2008). The Developing Person: Through the Life Span. New York, NY, United States of America: Worth Publishers.
Feldman, R. S. (2008). Development across the life span. Upper Saddle River: Perason Education, Inc.