Minds on.

Life, In Just One Day

We often assume our daily activities are shared by those around the world. This is not the case. Daily practices are as diverse as those who have them. However, similarities and trends can be seen. The following clips are from a movie entitled, “Life in a Day”, which chronicles many individuals all living one day. How that looks for everyone is unique. Watch the clips below. Consider how these experiences were different from your day, starting from when you woke up:

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Individual Development and the Transition to Adulthood

An individual’s development is a gradual process that continues throughout one’s life. One of the most distinct and significant stages of an individual’s life or development is the transition to adulthood. This stage is impacted by many life factors.

The society that you are born into and the one in which you reside, has an impact on your life in a number of ways. Take a moment to think about the factors that might influence you, as an individual, living in Canada.

This is the ePortfolio icon. My Life in Canada

Brainstorm possible responses to the following questions. You may wish to review the information in U1A2 before you begin.

Think about your life when you were 15 years old.

  • What roles or expectations did you have for yourself or did others have for you?
  • What were the societal norms for your behaviour?  Consider gender, career aspirations, education, socio-economics, and authority figures.
  • What values were most important to you (e.g., friendship, loyalty, hard work, tradition, family)?
  • What social institutions had an impact on your life?

Case Study Analysis

In this next section of the course, you are going to analyse case studies. In research, case studies are sometimes used to gather information on particular individuals as a method of primary research. At other times, case studies are utilized to demonstrate ideas or principles. In this instance, these case studies are fictional stories that are being used to illustrate course concepts. Although the cases are based on real experiences of youth in similar circumstances, they are by no means exhaustive and do not intend to stereotype particular groups of people.

Consider the following case studies. Each young person featured is 15 years old and has had a unique life. Each has experienced childhood in different parts of the world and has been influenced by circumstances beyond their control. The adults they will become will also be influenced by the experiences they have and the choices they make as they grow and develop. As you read, please be mindful that this is one experience that a youth in that country, of that ethnicity, gender and age, might experience.

This is an image of a house with a heart above the chimney.

Trigger Warning

The passages you are about to read contain references to substance abuse, war violence and sexual violence

Analyze each case study to determine the impact of the norms, roles, and social institutions on their behaviour and life experiences. Then consider the factors that shape their educational, career and relationship futures. You may use this template to help organize your information.

Consolidation

Success in life comes not from having the right cards, but from playing bad ones properly.

Joshua Dool

Moving Forward

In life there are many events that happen that are beyond our control. Some of those circumstances change our options for the future. They might open some doors and close others, but individuals always maintain some ability to make choices. Consider what choices can be made as you complete the assignment below.

This graphic shows a man at a fork in road. There are two arrows offering him a choice as to which road to take.

This is the dropbox icon. Choose Their Path To Adulthood

  1. Select one of the case studies above: Hiba’s, Summer’s or Mohammed’s.
  2. Consider what the 15-year-old’s life might be like, 10 years later, as an adult. What might have happened?
  3. Write two unique endings for the case study. In each ending, describe
    • the circumstances they faced.
    • the events that limited or liberated their options.
    • the choices the individual made in life.
    • how their life ended up each way and why.

Personal Reflection

  1. Reflect on the assignment and the quotation above.
  2. What have you learned about the transition to adulthood and the impact of
    • societal norms?
    • expectations/roles?
    • social institutions?
  3. How do an individual’s choices and decisions impact their future? What factors limit or liberate their options?
  4. How might your life and future be impacted by your choices and decisions?
    • In what ways are you liberated by societal norms, expectations/roles and social institutions, and in what ways are you constrained? Explain.

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