At the center of Levinson's theory is the life structure.
This is an underlying pattern of an individual's life at any given point in time. A person's life structure is shaped
mainly by their social and physical environment, and it primarily involves family and work. Other variables such
as religion, race, and status are often important as well.
In his theory there are two key concepts:
Stable Period - This is the time when a person makes crucial choices in life.
2) the Transitional
Period - This is the end of a person's stage and the beginning of a new one. Life during these transitions can
be either rocky or smooth, but the quality and significance of one’s life commitments often change between the beginning
and end of a period.
There are 6 stages of adulthood in Levinson's theory titled "Seasons of a Man's Life":
adult transition (17-22) - leave adolescence, make preliminary choices for adult life
2) Entering the adult world (22-28) - make initial choices in love, occupation, friendship, values,
3) Age 30 transition (28-33) - changes occur in life structure,
either a moderate change or, more often, a severe and stressful crisis
4) Settling down (33-40)
- establish a niche in society, progress on a timetable, in both family and career accomplishments; are expected to think
and behave like a parent so they are facing more demanding roles and expectations .
transition (40-45) - life structure comes into question, usually a time of crisis in the meaning, direction,
and value of each person's life. neglected parts of the self (talents, desires, aspirations) seek expression.
Men are seen more as parents than as “brothers” to other men who are somewhat younger than them and this message
comes as an irritation at first. Also at this time, men becoming increasingly aware of death and they are reminded of
how short life really is. They become involved in trying to leave a legacy and this usually forms the core of the second
half of his life.
6) Entering middle adulthood (45-50) - choices must be
made, a new life structure formed. person must commit to new tasks.
* Some sources also stated that there was a late
adulthood stage during which time a man spent time reflecting on past achievements and regrets, and making peace
with one's self and others (including God).
** Daniel Levinson later went on to write a book titled “Seasons of a
Problems with Levinson's theory:
Daniel Levinson collected the data
for his study many decades ago, shortly after the Great Depression ended. Due to the time period, the men used
for this study have 3 things in common:
1) they come from stable families
2) they had realistic goals for their life
became adults in an expanding economy
Men who have grown up in the last four or five decades , however,
have had to deal with less stable families due to high divorce rates, and they tend to have goals which are much more difficult
to achieve. They have also had to deal with a fluctuating economy, and because of these differences it is difficult
to apply Levinson's studies to today's generation.
How does this theory apply to school?
Since most most sources
state that Levinson's theory begins at the age of 17 in the “Early Adult Transition”, there isnt any reference
to how one develops during the school years.
How does this theory apply to society?
"Adults hope that life begins at 40--but the great anxiety is that it ends there." - Daniel Levinson
There are a number of attitudes expressed which would appear to have an affect on society.
Firstly, many people are making the transition from youth to adulthood without any hope or optimism. This says that
society as a whole throughout this age bracket is lacking enthusiasm and drive. When men near the age of thirty, they
have new expectations in society such as to provide for their children and aging parents. They are seen more as fathers
than they were previously. The occurance of a culminating event in a man's life surfaces the midlife transition stage.
When this happens, men usually become interested in acts of humanitarianism, and they are more cautious as they come to terms
with the reality of death.
How does this theory apply to the workplace?
In Levinson's book he claims, “the dreams
we have are so compelling that nothing short of total success satisfies.”
Once men reach the age of thirty, or so, they are taking more senior positions in their jobs as their
focus is to provide care for their children and their aging parents. Once a man reaches his forties, he begins questioning,
“Is this all I am going to do for the rest of my life?”. This often causes one to drastically change their
field of work, an act that has come to be known as a “midlife crisis”. By this age, men have often made
the amount of money that they desire and so they begin looking into jobs that benefit others.