Problems with Stage Models - Personality -Psychology notes cont......

a.  based on male development.
b.  Cohorts with different experiences; may develop differently.
c.  models have not been tested in other countries.  For example: in studies of male development in India, the emphasis is on spiritual development which is never fully achieved.  Each of the four stages are a preparation for the next stage.  First,  is an obedient student.  Second, a householder.  Third, a retreat from family and civic duties in a quest for self and finally, the fourth stage of a wandering holy beggar casting off all that identifies him.  He enters a stage of harmony with all that is around him.