The Development of the Ego-Ideal

Abstract

Assessing the nature of occupational and social role aspirations from adolescence through adulthood, as described in Chapter 3, provides an entry into the study of men’s lives. In this chapter the consideration of men’s aspirations continues. However, the focus here is not on the types of roles to which men aspire but on the meaning these roles have for them: Why do 10-year-olds want to be ballplayers? What goals and values are served by the 36-year-old’s desire to be a good father? A full account of men’s lives must provide answers to these questions.