Social scientists use
the term "cohort" to describe a group of individuals who were born around the
same time, usually within a span of five to ten years. Members of the same
cohort move through history together. They share certain historical and cultural
influences because they experience major events at the same age. The life
experiences of one cohort will be different from those of another, even a cohort
that is just a few years older or younger. This is because the timing of
historical events interacts with developmental issues, producing unique patterns
of influence for each cohort. Now cover the passage and listen
to the recording. When you hear the question, begin preparing your
response. Explain the concept of cohort and how the examples
given by the professor illustrate the concept.
【正确答案】Key points:
A cohort is a group of people who were born around the same time. Members of the same cohort experience historical events together.
The professor discusses two cohorts that were influenced by the Great Depression of the 1930s, but in different ways. People who were young children in the 1930s were affected negatively, while people who were teenagers had more positive effects.
The examples show how historical events and developmental issues interact in influencing cohorts.
【答案解析】[解析]
If we look at times of major social change, such as the Great Depression of the 1930s, we can see how variations in experience affected different cohorts. Everyone who was alive during that period was affected in some way by economic conditions, but because these circumstances hit each cohort at a different age, the effects were different for each.
For example, one study showed that people who were young children during the 1930s showed more long-term effects than did people who were teenagers at the time. The younger cohort spent a greater portion of their childhood under conditions of economic hardship, and that affected their family life and their educational opportunities. The negative effects of the Depression on the children's personalities could still be seen in adulthood.
In contrast, people who were teenagers during the Depression didn't show negative effects later in life. In fact, some of them showed more independence and initiative. Many teenagers had to work to help their families, and this early responsibility had a positive influence on their development. So, you can see how two cohorts that were close in age experienced the same circumstances differently because they were different ages at the time. Explain the concept of cohort and how the examples given by the professor illustrate the concept.