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Life begins at 40: the biological and cultural roots of the midlife crisis | The Royal Society

The Royal Society・36 minutes read

The lecture explores the midlife crisis, examining psychological, biological, societal, and cultural factors that contribute to this phenomenon, emphasizing the impact of societal expectations and transitions during middle age. Pitkin encourages individuals to pursue self-fulfillment, leisure, and personal renewal even at 40, counteracting feelings of despair and identity crisis influenced by societal conditions.

Insights

  • The term "midlife crisis" was initially coined by Canadian social scientist Elliot Jax, describing an existential crisis affecting men aged 35-45, with psychological and biological perspectives explored by various scholars.
  • Societal and cultural factors, such as standardized life events and expectations, contribute significantly to the emergence of the midlife crisis, shaping individual experiences during middle age and leading to age anxiety and pressure to meet milestones.

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Recent questions

  • What is the midlife crisis?

    A period of existential crisis in middle age.

  • Who coined the term "midlife crisis"?

    Elliot Jax

  • What societal factors contribute to midlife crisis?

    Standardized life course and societal expectations.

  • How did the midlife crisis impact the "Sandwich Generation"?

    Caught between caring for aging parents and children.

  • How did the midlife crisis relate to the American Dream?

    Emphasized personal renewal and economic growth.

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Summary

00:00

Exploring Midlife Crisis: Gratitude and Perspectives

  • The speaker expresses gratitude towards the Wellcome Trust for funding their research and career, including the creation of the Welcome Center for cultures and environments of Health.
  • Acknowledgment is given to the University of Exeter for supporting the speaker's academic growth and innovative ideas over 20 years, highlighting key figures like Steve Smith and Andrew Thorp.
  • The speaker extends appreciation to their family, particularly their wife Siobhan and three children, emphasizing their crucial role in the speaker's life.
  • The lecture at the Royal Society delves into the midlife crisis, paying homage to John Wilkins, John Desmond Bernal, and Peter Medawar, who influenced the discussion on aging and middle age.
  • A reference is made to the iconic sitcom "The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin," portraying the midlife crisis experienced by the protagonist, Reggie Perrin, as he grapples with disillusionment and disaffection.
  • The term "midlife crisis" is introduced, initially coined by Canadian social scientist Elliot Jax, describing a period of existential crisis typically affecting men between the ages of 35 and 45.
  • Psychological explanations for the midlife crisis are explored, focusing on identity crises akin to adolescent struggles, as discussed by Jax, Carl Jung, and Eric Erickson.
  • Biological perspectives on the midlife crisis are examined, with Peter Medawar's interest in the evolutionary and biological aspects of aging, and the link between women's crises and reproductive life.
  • The societal and cultural conditions that contribute to the emergence of the midlife crisis are discussed, including the standardized life course and the socially prescribed timetable for major life events.
  • The significance of the phrase "life begins at 40" is analyzed in relation to the midlife crisis, suggesting that societal expectations and transitions play a pivotal role in shaping individual experiences during middle age.

17:07

Evolution of Life Expectancy and Family Dynamics

  • Life expectancy increased dramatically from the end of the 19th century to the 1950s and 1960s, with people living well into their 70s or 80s.
  • Marrying earlier became more common, with 52% of women marrying by age 24 in the early 50s.
  • Couples started having fewer children and spacing them closer together early in their marriage, leading to a longer period after childbearing.
  • Men's life rhythm was influenced by occupational patterns, often working in the same job until retirement in the 1950s and 60s.
  • The standardization of life events led to clearly defined stages and transitions in the life course, such as middle age between 30 and 50.
  • The emergence of the midlife crisis was linked to age anxiety and the pressure to meet standardized milestones in life.
  • The extended life course led to the "Sandwich Generation" phenomenon, where middle-aged individuals were caught between caring for aging parents and adolescent children.
  • Financial pressures increased as inheritance age rose from 37 in 1891 to 56 in the 1940s, impacting couples raising children.
  • The concept of the "empty nest" highlighted the extended period after children left home, leading to questions about the purpose and satisfaction of life.
  • The phrase "life begins at 40" originated in 1917, emphasizing the potential for a fulfilling life after middle age, popularized in self-help literature and films during the 1930s, 40s, and 50s.

34:34

"Rediscovering Life: Pitkin's Message of Hope"

  • Pitkin encourages individuals like Reggie Parens to see that even at 40, they have many years ahead to make the most of life through self-fulfillment, leisure, and the art of living.
  • Pursuing self-fulfillment through less work, more leisure, and play can lead to a fulfilling middle-aged and older age, countering the downward curve towards death.
  • Pitkin's message was not just for individuals but also for populations during times of economic depression and the fear of war, offering hope and optimism through personal renewal and economic growth.
  • The American Dream, as described by James Truslow Adams, resonated with Pitkin's ideas, emphasizing a social order where everyone can achieve their full potential regardless of birth circumstances.
  • The hopes of personal renewal and economic growth were dashed by the Second World War, leading to a focus on material wealth and consumption as a means of happiness.
  • Edmund Burglar's work highlights how the collapse of the American Dream in the 40s and 50s led people to seek happiness through material consumption, creating a sense of narcissistic self-fulfillment.
  • Reggie Parens represents a generation facing psychological despair and identity crisis, influenced by historical, cultural, and social conditions, showing that the midlife crisis is not just a biological phenomenon but a product of broader societal influences.
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