Erik Erikson

So, Erik Erickson has developed eight stages of human development starting at birth then going straight through till death. Now, I very much believe that everyone goes through theses stages at one point in their life, however I don't believe that everyone goes through them at the same rate that he has laid them out. For instance stage 5, "Identity vs. Identity confusion", which he has laid out from the ages of 10- 20. For the most part this does fit, people are going in school sorting out what they want to do for the rest of their life, or they may be moving straight into the work world from high school and trying different things out until they find what works best for them. However, I believe this happens much later in life as well, somebody may decide to go back to school later in life, or they may decide a switch in career to be the best thing for them, and so they would be back figuring our who they want to be. Same with music, friends and clothing. This changes throughout a persons life. Music for one is always changing, so who's to say you may not move to a different style because of a new emerging artist. Fashion is also changing all the time, so for the most part people will change the way they dress depending on whats trendy at the time. And, with friends, yes usually you make friends and they stick with you, however someone new may start where you work and so you can make new friends. So I believe this is definitely a lifelong stage rather than just one you go through for 10 years and then move on. Same goes for stage 6, "Intimacy vs. Isolation". I don't believe that everyone finds their partner in those years, and if they do, whose to say it will last forever. If a couple divorces they may find themselves going through this stage at the age of 40 or 50.
As well, I believe that a person may be in multiple stages at one time. So for me, I find myself in stage 5, "identity vs. Identity confusion" because in college I believe I know what I'm going to do but at the same time I'm working to make sure its the right thing for me. I'm also in a new surrounding in college so I'm meeting new people and new friends, and building my future identity. And, I'm also in stage 6, "intimacy vs. Isolation" where I'm dating different people and finding an intimate relationship.
So, again I definitely agree that everyone goes through these stages, just not in the same time frame or even order that Erickson has them laid out in. Some of these stages are also life long, not just occurring in 10 year spans.  And as well that people may go through more than one stage at a time.