Adulthood in Urban India: A Dharmic, Developmental Perspective
摘要
The chapter provides a demographic overview of the life stage of adulthood between 25 and 50 years in India with reference to socioeconomic and gender differences. Against the backdrop of global theories of adult development, particularly the recent focus on Established Adulthood (Mehta et al., 2020), the chapter examines myriad pathways of navigating adulthood from an Indian cultural perspective. Describing the Indian theory of Āshrama Dharma for stages of adulthood, it highlights aspects of social change and its interface with individual development. Based on contemporary research evidence from India important life transitions like marriage, parenthood and work, sustaining work-life balance, moral challenges and satisfactions therein are discussed. The chapter includes evidence of alternative family forms and sexualities, health concerns, emerging lifestyles and preparation for middle and late adulthood. Future directions for research on adulthood in India are suggested.