This post, provide reader with the following objective; readers should be able to:
• Explain the concept and scope of Management in Living.
• Describe the importance of Management in Living.
• Identify the opportunities for careers in Management in Living.
• Describe signs of reproductive growth in adolescents.
• Examine the consequences of the reproductive growth of the adolescent
• Examine the social, emotional, mental growth, and changes that take place in the adolescent.
• Explain menstrual cycle and menstruation in girls and its implications.
CONCEPT, SCOPE, IMPORTANCE OF MANAGEMENT IN LIVING AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR CAREERS
THE CONCEPT OF MANAGEMENT IN LIVING
In everyday living, individuals and families require certain things such as good food, clothing, shelter, medical care, education and transport. In order to satisfy these needs, the individuals and families require resources such as, money, energy, time, etc.
In living,
management is involved in every aspect of life e.g., the problem of feeding
clothing and the use of income are all matters of management. These resources
are scarce or limited and thus there is the need for individuals and families
to make decisions.
Individuals
and families have life goals. The decisions these individuals and families make
on daily basis as they go through life to achieve these goals is referred to as
management in living.
Management
in living is therefore concerned with decisions individuals and families make
as they go through life to achieve their life goals OR Management in living is
concerned with the decisions individuals and families make in their life
process in order to achieve their goals.
SCOPE OF MANAGEMENT IN LIVING
Since
individuals and families need are varied or wide in scope, the study of
management in living covers a wide area such as
I. Marriage and family living,
II. Family housing and housing environment,
III. Adolescents related issues,
IV. Financial management for future financial security,
V. Consumer education and consumer skills.
IMPORTANCE OF MANAGEMENT IN LIVING
i. It helps individuals and families to learn how to use their limited resources wisely so as to satisfy as many of their needs as possible.
ii. It contributes to the understanding of issues that affect family and family living. Knowledge acquired in management in living will help individuals and families identify such issues and deal with them. Thus, making family life and living better and more comfortably.
iii. It helps individuals and families to develop skills for living. Skills individuals acquire through management in living include resource management, child care, cleaning and financial management. These skills so acquired will help make living comfortable, safe and simple.
iv. It also provides the basis for further training for job opportunities. Individuals who acquire knowledge in management in living could go for further training to become professional teachers, credit advisors, interior decorators, housekeepers, etc.
v. It helps individuals and families appreciate and recognize the relationship between daily living and the environment in which they live, that is both family and the wider environment
OPPORTUNITIES FOR CAREER DEVELOPMENT
The main objective of management in living is to help individuals and families develop skills for living and to equip students for job opportunities or careers, some of which may require higher education. These careers include:
i. Teaching: Teachers in this area, teach home management, family living and child development in schools. With additional training in home management, graduates can teach in nursery schools. So those who study management in living can be employed to teach.
ii. Interior decoration / Designing: People in this area, plan and decorate interiors of homes, hotels, hospitals, offices, etc. The study of Management in living can therefore help individuals become interior decorators.
iii.
Child care: People in
this area work in Child Care Centers. These centers are where parents bring
their children for care while
they are busy. This has led to the establishment of preschools in almost all
cities and towns in Ghana.
iv. Financial
counseling: Individuals who study management in living can become financial
counsellors counseling individuals and families to manage their income and live
within their means and avoid needless expenditure.
v. Dry cleaning and
laundering: The dry cleaners and launderers, dry-clean and launder clothing
articles for people. A home economics graduate can earn a living by setting up
a laundry and/or dry-cleaning service.
vi. Child development specialist.
vii. Work in the housing development sector.
viii.
Credit advisors: It also helps people to become Credit advisors in
financial institutions and consumer credit companies.
ix. Nursery school attendants: With
further training, the senior high school graduate of home management can become
a nursery school attendant.
x. Environment management counseling: Counseling people on how to live a good, healthy and happy life by maintaining and adhering to good environmental practices.
EXAMINATION
QUESTIONS
1. Explain the concept and scope of
management in living
2. Identify and explain areas in
management in living for which careers may be developed
3. Describe the importance of management
in living
4. State four areas or scope of management
in living
5. Discuss the career opportunities in
Management in living
DEVELOPMENTAL CHANGES AND ADOLESCENT SEXUALITIES
SEXUALITY
The sex of a person refers to whether that person is
male or female. It also stands for sexual intercourse between a male and
female. Sexuality on the other hand has to do with how we see ourselves as boys
and girls, men and women, that is being aware of yourself as a sexual being as
well as how we feel and think about our body.
Some Aspects of Sexuality
(i) Love and affection: This is how individuals express their love and
affection for others.
(ii) Intimacy: This is close sharing of
feelings or thoughts which are not necessarily physical.
(iii) Relationships: These are the different ways individuals
express their feelings to others.
(iv) Gender Roles: This refers to the different ways individuals
express their sex as male and female.
(v) Genitals:
This refers to the physical parts of our body that define sex and
are also important on sexual pleasure and reproduction.
(vi) Body images: This is about how individuals
look and feel about themselves and how they appear to others.
(vii) Social roles: The role of people plays as
part of a social group.
(viii) Sexual arousal: Involves a number of different things that make us get sexually turned on.
Meaning of Adolescence
Adolescence is the period of growing up. It is that stage in every person's life that lies between the end of childhood and the beginning of adulthood. This period of development is between the ages of 10-19 years. It is a period of preparation for becoming a parent, and a citizen. It has been described as a storm much longer and much darker in some cases than in others through which all must pass.
Adolescence is therefore a period of transition, growth, exploration and opportunities. It is also marked by changes in the body, the mind, the emotions, and the social attitudes. People within the stage of adolescence experience rapid physical and behavioral changes at puberty.
Puberty is the stage during which the adolescent grows into a man or woman. That is, it is a narrow span of time which marks the beginning of sexual maturation.
Adolescent is a boy or girl who is passing through the adolescence period. The period is marked with body and emotional changes.
Reproductive Growth and Development
The
early part of adolescence is a stage of heightened emotions. The transition
from childhood to adolescence is often associated with physical, emotional and
social changes.
Physical Changes in Male and Females and Behavioral Changes in Adolescence
Changes that Occur During Adolescence.
The transition from childhood to adolescence
Physical Changes in Boys
The physical changes that occur in boys during adolescence
include:
i. The sex organs develop into maturity. That is, they
experience growth or enlargement of the testes and penis.
ii. They experience rapid growth in height, weight and
increase muscle mass.
iii. They grow facial
and body hair. That is, they begin to grow hair on the armpits, pubic areas and
other parts of the body.
iv. They experience
enlargement of the chest, long legs and arms and stronger muscles.
v. They also experience the break of the voice. That is,
they develop larger vocal cords and deep voice.
vi. They may
experience involuntary ejaculations or erections during sleep (they may have
wet dreams). Wet dreams mean they wake up to find their genital areas wet as a
result of discharges from their penis.
Physical Changes in Girls
Physical
changes that occur in girls during adolescence include:
i. Development of breast. That is their breast begin to appear
ii. It is during this period that the rounding out of figure occurs. They therefore develop flattened stomach, slimy waist and wider hips.
iii. On-set of menstrual cycle
iv. Rapid growth in height and weight
v. Development or maturing of sex organs
vi. Growth of hair on armpits and pubic areas vii. Broadening of hips.
vii. Clitoris and labia increase in size.
ix. Development of sweat glands
x. Nipples become larger and darker
Physical Changes that are Common to Both Male and Females (Boys and Girls)
The
physical changes that are common to both male and female during adolescence
include:
i. Growth in height and weight
ii. Maturation of reproductive system or organs
iii. Redistribution of body weight
iv. The appearance of the secondary sex characteristics.
Consequence of the Reproductive Growth of the Adolescents
i. Adolescents become conscious of their bodies or
appearance. While some become excited about the changes in their physical
appearance e.g., appearance of breast, some are often very shy.
ii. Boys get wet dreams. Occasionally, they imagine
themselves in bed with girls they seem to be strongly attached to and thus lead
to wet dreams.
iii. They get attracted to the opposite sex. They begin to
be interested in members of the opposite sex and begin to enter into
relationships. They develop emotional attachment to the opposite sex.
iv. General interactions. Adolescents begin to feel the
desire to associate or socialize with his or her peers either at home or school
or in the neighborhood.
v. They have the capacity to reproduce.
vi. They have heightened sex drive as a result of hormonal secretions
and actions.
vii. Hormonal actions lead to development of body odors,
eczema, pimples etc.
Good Hygiene for the Adolescent
i. Adolescents should bath regularly, at least twice a day
to wash away perspiration that comes out of the pores.
ii. Adolescent should
not squeeze pimples but rather wash their face with mild soap. They should not
bleach to get rid of pimples because the chemicals used for bleaching are
dangerous to the skin.
iii. Shave or trim pubic hair and armpit hair to prevent the
development of bad smell and from trapping sweat.
iv. They should always wear clean under garment to avoid or
prevent bacteria from multiplying and causing diseases on their bodies.
SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL GROWTH AND CHANGES IN ADOLESCENCE
Social Changes
1.
Interact differently from when they were younger. They begin to talk like
adults. They begin to question their parent's authority as they strive for
independence. They think they are adults and can therefore manage their own
affairs.
2.
They feel shy. Some of the girls feel shy about their physical development and
appearance e.g., development of breast and menstruation. The boys have to cope
with changes in their voice, bigger penis and testicles and the discharge of
semen.
3.
Drawn more to peer groups of their own age. Adolescence are very concerned
about impressions they make on their peers. They attempt to gain popularity and
become a member of a prestigious group. Opportunities should be provided for the interaction by
the family and other social institutions e.g., school, church etc.
4.
They become aware of themselves and begin to ask for the advice of other
adults, teachers, neighbors, friends etc.
5.
Expected to take more responsibilities at home and school. At home, they are
expected to clean the house, wash father's clothes, water the garden, etc. They
should be encouraged to participate in
domestic chores.
Emotional Changes
The
adolescent begins to experience heightened feelings and may be very sensitive
and reacts strongly to events. Emotions such as love, fear, hatred, anger, joy
and frustration are strong.
i.
He/she may experience a variety of the human feelings e.g., sadness,
embarrassment if teased, intense happiness, need for companionship may become
intense.
ii.
There may be an increase in sexual awareness and urge.
iii.
Adolescents may be aggressive, become antagonistic to authority and defensive
about their own actions.
iv.
Adolescents’ attention shifts to their peers and boyfriends or girlfriends.
v.
Adolescent experiment especially with
their sexuality.
Mental Changes
i.
Adolescents begin to reason and think in more abstract terms.
ii.
Ready to test new ideas and think through things for themselves
iii.
Begin to make realistic plans
iv.
May think of consequences of actions they may take
v.
Develop the ability to reflect on the results of their decisions and learn from
the
outcomes.
vi.
Tend to reason more and analyze suggestions from others.
Problems / Challenges of Adolescence
These challenges are problems which adolescents often face.
Adolescents are neither children nor adults. They often have problems as they
relate to their parents and other people. Their challenges include:
1. Adjustment: They have problems adjusting to their physical changes. For
instance, the girl has to cope with enlarged breast and menstruation. The boys
cope with changes of voice and bigger penis. They are often uncomfortable,
clumsy and anxious.
2. Status: They want
to behave like adults, yet they are not fully adults. Boys may try to smoke and
girls may try putting on make-ups.
3. Independence:
Adolescents often want to do things their way. They do not like to be directed
or guided by parents or other adults. This is often a source of problem.
4. Need for achievement:
Adolescents want to excel. When they fail, they become unhappy.
5. Peer pressure:
They often want to go along with their peers. There could be negative influences
from peer group, for instance, in dressing, feeding and expression of
sexuality.
6. Physical needs:
These arise as a result of the physical changes going on in the adolescent.
These needs include;
i.
Balance food needed for proper
development.
ii.
New clothes to replace outgrown or
worn-out old ones.
iii.
Girls will need brassiere as their
breast develops.
7. Development of strong body odor: Body odor is an unpleasant smell that comes from the body.
8. Indulging in sexual activities,
substance abuse and becoming delinquent.
MENSTRUATION
Menstruation: The monthly
flow of blood through the birth canal or vaginal passage of a
female. Menstruation is nature's way of preparing the female body for pregnancy
and child birth.
The
process of menstruation i.e.,
menstrual cycle occurs once each month unless there is pregnancy, illness or
when the woman reaches menopause. Menstrual cycle varies for each person (a
cycle of 21-30 days).
The
release of the ovum is called ovulation which occurs between 12 and 16 days
before the next menstrual bleeding. During this
The egg normally travels down the womb through the fallopian
tubes during which it hopes to be fertilized. It however dies if it is not
fertilized within 12-24 hours after ovulation.
Changes occur in the body during menstruation
e.g., enlargement of breast, breasts become tender with darkened nipple.
Most girls start their menstrual period between the ages of 10 and 16 and it continues till the age of 40 — 50 years when the woman reaches menopause. The flow of blood last between 3 and 7 days. Some women may have longer or shorter periods.
Menopause is a period where a woman no longer menstruates and is no longer able to get pregnant naturally.
Menstrual Hygiene Practices
Menstrual hygiene practices are very important
during menstruation;
i. Use good absorbent sanitary pads or towel and pants. These will prevent your clothes from being stained by blood.
ii. Change the sanitary pad as often as three times a day to prevent bad odor.
iii. Wrap the soiled pad in an old newspaper. Put it in a refuse bin or pit toilet or burn it. Do not throw the used pad into the water system or water closet toilet.
iv.
Have frequent bath during menstruation.
At least bath twice a day. Have local bath of the vulva area each time you
change your pad if possible.
v. Menstruation is not a disease. Therefore, carry about
your normal activities during your menstrual period. There are different brands
of sanitary pad or towel in the market. These include
"ladysept,"" lady-kept", cosy," "always
simple", etc. choose the one that is most suitable to you.
Signs of Pre-menstruation
Signs of pre-menstrual syndrome includes:
i. Depression
ii. Irritability
iii. Weight gain
iv. Headaches
v. Tenderness or heaviness of breast
vi. Increase in acne
vii. Lower
backache
viii. Abdominal cramps
Examination Questions and Suggested Solutions
l.
(a). Explain the term adolescence (June 2006)
(b).
State three problems of adolescents
(c).
State three characteristics of adolescents
Solution
(a).
Adolescence
Adolescence
is the period of growing up. It is a stage in every person's life that lies
between the end of childhood and the beginning of adulthood.
(b).
three problems of adolescents
(i)
The adolescent is always faced with the problem of adjusting to his physical
changes
(ii)
He wants to be important and be recognized as a person of worth. He tries to
achieve adult status yet he is not yet an adult.
(iii)
He tries to gain independence from his parents and to become a self-directing
person
(iv) The adolescent strives to excel
(c)
three characteristics of adolescents
(i)
Development of sex organs
(ii)
They grow facial and body hair
(iii)
The breasts of female adolescents develop and their skin changes
(iv)
Hair grows in their armpits and pubic region
(v)
In males there is also change in voice and appearance
(vi)
In girls’ menstruation starts
(vii)
They experience physical, mental and emotional changes.
(viii)
They are attracted to the opposite sex
(ix)
They are conscious of their appearance
(x)
They are stubborn, aggressive and disobedient
Examination
Questions
1.
Explain the term adolescence
2.
List four physical changes that occur in
a.
Boys
b.
Girls
3.
What is menstruation?
4.
Explain four ways a young girl should care for herself during menstruation.
(November 2009)
5.
Explain briefly, three social, mental and emotional changes that takes place in
adolescents.
6.a.
State five characteristics of adolescents.
b.
Explain five challenges or problems adolescents face in life.
7.a.
Explain why an adolescent may develop pimples and eczema.
b.
Explain three personal hygiene practices an adolescent should adopt to maintain
good health. (WASSCE 2016)
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