Bernice Neugarten

Bernice Neugarten American Psychologist

Bernice Neugarten (1916–2001) was an American psychologist and gerontologist known for her pioneering work in the field of adult development and aging. Her research significantly contributed to the understanding of the psychological and social aspects of aging, challenging many stereotypes and misconceptions about older adults.

Early Life and Education

Bernice Neugarten was born on January 11, 1916, in Norfolk, Nebraska. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Chicago in 1936. She continued her education at the same institution, obtaining her master's degree in 1937 and her Ph.D. in Human Development in 1943.

Career

Neugarten began her academic career at the University of Chicago, where she eventually became a professor. Her work focused on the psychological and social dimensions of aging, and she was instrumental in establishing the field of gerontology as a distinct area of study.

Key Contributions

One of Neugarten's most significant contributions was her research on the concept of the "social clock," which refers to the cultural expectations for the timing of life events such as marriage, parenthood, and retirement. She argued that deviations from these societal norms could impact an individual's psychological well-being.

Neugarten also introduced the idea of "age norms" and "age grading," which describe the societal expectations and roles assigned to individuals based on their age. Her work emphasized the diversity of aging experiences and the importance of considering individual differences rather than relying on stereotypes.

Major Works

Neugarten authored several influential books and articles, including:

• The Meanings of Age: Selected Papers of Bernice L. Neugarten
• Middle Age and Aging: A Reader in Social Psychology

Awards and Honors

Throughout her career, Neugarten received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to the field of gerontology. She was a fellow of the American Psychological Association and the Gerontological Society of America. In 1985, she was awarded the Distinguished Career Contribution Award by the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues.

Legacy

Bernice Neugarten's work has had a lasting impact on the field of gerontology and the study of aging. Her research has influenced public policy, social services, and the way society views older adults. She is remembered as a trailblazer who challenged conventional wisdom and advocated for a more nuanced understanding of the aging process.

See Also

• Gerontology
• Adult development
• Social clock
• Age norms