Conceptualizing Adult Identity Formation in Higher Education Context Cover Image

Konceptualizacija formiranja identiteta odraslosti u kontekstu visokog obrazovanja
Conceptualizing Adult Identity Formation in Higher Education Context

Author(s): Amina Isanović Hadžiomerović
Subject(s): Social Sciences, Education, Adult Education, Higher Education
Published by: JU ‘’Bosanski kulturni centar Kantona Sarajevo’’
Keywords: adult identity; higher education; emerging adulthood; institutionalized moratorium;

Summary/Abstract: The main intention of this paper is to explore the possibility of positioning the discourse on adult identity formation within the context of higher education. To this end, first formational potential of higher education is revisited. Further on, Eriksonian psychosocial theoretical approach and Arnett's concept of emerging adulthood are proposed as the referential framework for conceptualizing adult identity formation processes. It is concluded that by offering instituzionalized moratorium and the possibility for the extended transition from adolescence to adulthood, higher education context provides intensive identity work opportunities. However, in dominant discourses, higher education's humanistic ends have been suppressed by economistic and utilitarian objectives. Therefore, this paper also urges revitalizing higher education's humanistic values by exploring personal growth posibilities.

  • Issue Year: XX/2020
  • Issue No: 1-2
  • Page Range: 37-56
  • Page Count: 20
  • Language: English
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