ABSTRACT
This chapter emphasizes the normative-ethical perspective in his writing that is expressed by him in at least two ways. First, Erikson recognized in a variety of his works the idea that, from an optimal point of view, the development of ego identity goes hand in hand with moral development. This idea is apparent, for example, in his discussion of the value orientation stages and when he attempted to define 'integrity' as the endpoint for human development. Here, Erikson's normative-ethical concerns were projected onto persons and were expressed in reference to certain cognitive and evaluative skills and understandings that he thought persons should ideally acquire as they develop. It is important to note, however, the second way in which the normative-ethical perspective pervades Erikson's work. The chapter presents the view of psychosocial stage of integrity in a manner consistent with Erikson's writings about it. It contributes to the young person's ability to adapt to the adult world of late modern society.
