Problem:
Generational Theory Another interesting line of research regarding moral development is generational theory,[10] which is more of a sociological, rather than a psychological theory. This theory popularized in the 1970s and 1980s by sociologist Morris Massey,[11] holds that the historical time period in which an individual is born shapes the development of their world view. Our value systems are formed in the first decade or so of our lives, by our families, our friends, our communities, and significant events, such as the assassination of President Kennedy, the Vietnam War, the tearing down of the Berlin Wall, planes crashing into the twin towers in New York, and the images of young men in orange jumpsuits being beheaded by Jihadists on television. Because these images affect all individuals within the time period, they tend to shape a generational value cohort with similar world views. According to this theory, the critical period of value programming is between birth and teens, with approximately 90 percent being firmly in place by the age of 10. Beyond this age, our general values do not change unless we are affected by a significant emotional event. Massey used the phrase "Who You Are Is Where You Were When," to explain value differences between the cohorts. Need Assignment Help?