Life cycle

The phases through which an organism passes as it develops, matures and becomes capable of giving rise to another generation determines the length of its life cycle. In human terms, these phases may be seen as stages in personality development. They are generally thought of as extending from birth to death, although during the period from conception to birth the individual may be considered as a social entity and most religions posit life after death. But, by analogy with the life-cycle of any organism, the human life-cycle may be seen as the social path from birth to adulthood, possibly followed in old age by loss of qualities associated with the mature, social adult. Thus, in social terms, stages of growth may be marked by an ability and readiness to participate in social roles and institutions. Individuals mature, gain adult qualities, as they pass through the socialization experiences which enable them to learn how to conduct themselves at each particular stage. Thus the individual progresses through infancy, childhood (7-13 years), youth (13 to 25 years), maturity (26-60 years) and old age (61 years onwards). In some societies, such as Japan, social recognition continues after death with a number of celebrations and regular rituals. The social framework varies with time and, although in past centuries change was very slow, twentieth century change in society's schedule has in many cultures been dramatic.