Transition can be defined as a movement from one state to another, but it is also more than just a change in position or circumstance. Transition is a journey, a process that involves multiple steps and stages along the way. It is an experience that has no beginning or end, but rather exists within a continuum of possibilities. In this context, transition refers to the dynamic transformation of identity, self-perception, and social role. It can refer to individual development as well as larger societal shifts. This paper will explore how transition can be understood as both an event and a horizon of becoming, while resisting closure.
Event-based transitions involve sudden changes in situation or status.
Getting married or graduating from college are considered milestones that mark the beginning of a new phase in life. These events signify major turning points, but they do not necessarily reflect a complete shift in personality or behavior. An event may set into motion a series of subsequent transformations that occur gradually over time.
Process-based transitions, on the other hand, encompass gradual developments that unfold over time. The concept of 'becoming' emphasizes the fluidity and indeterminacy of change, where individuals grow and evolve incrementally. This approach highlights the complexity of human growth and adaptation, which often includes moments of uncertainty and ambiguity. Process-based transitions require attention to the nuances of everyday experiences, as well as awareness of long-term goals.
The notion of 'horizon of becoming' adds depth and dimension to our understanding of transition by challenging linear models of progress and suggesting a more cyclical view of personal development. The idea is that each stage of transition is part of an ongoing cycle, with no definitive endpoint or conclusion. This perspective acknowledges that individuals may return to previous stages or regress temporarily before moving forward again. Horizons of becoming allow for multiple perspectives and interpretations of the same experience, creating space for individual reflection and self-reflection.
Transition can be understood as both an event and a process, while also resisting closure. Each perspective provides valuable insight into the dynamic nature of identity transformation, but taken together they offer a richer picture of how we navigate change and grow through it. Transition requires flexibility, resilience, and the ability to embrace uncertainty, all of which are crucial for living fully in an ever-changing world.
Is transition best understood as an event, a process, or a horizon of becoming that resists closure?
Transition can be understood as both an event, a process, and a horizon of becoming that resists closure because it involves shifts in identity, values, beliefs, relationships, and experiences over time. Transitions are often seen as moments of change that mark the end of one phase and the beginning of another, but they also involve ongoing adjustments, adaptations, and transformations throughout the entire life course.