Question

In: Psychology

Various theories of human development exist within the field of psychology, although the role of culture...

Various theories of human development exist within the field of psychology, although the role of culture differs among them. Some theories are considered universal and, thus, assume that an individual will develop similarly regardless of the culture in which he or she is raised. Yet, other theories assume that the developmental niche or ecological context of the individual has more of an influence on the individual. For example, Piaget’s theory of cognitive development assumes that everyone reaches the final stage of cognition regardless of his or her culture. In contrast, Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory suggests that culture is influential in human development.

For this Discussion, select two major theories of human development that interest you.

Consider the similarities and differences in how these theories explain cultural influences on human development.

With these thoughts in mind:

1. A brief description of the two theories of human development that you selected.

2. Then, compare the major components of the two theories.

3. Finally, describe which theory best explains the influence of culture on human development and why.

Support your responses using the Learning Resources and the current literature.

Solutions

Expert Solution

  • One theory of human development is Erikson's psychosocial stages.Erikson proposed a theory that describes eight distinct stages of development. According to Erikson, in each stage people face new challenges, and the stage’s outcome depends on how people handle these challenges. The stages included were;Trust vs. Mistrust,Autonomy vs. Shame and doubt,Initiative vs. Guilt, Industry vs. Inferiority,Identity vs. Role confusion,Initimacy vs. Isolation,Generativity vs. Self-Absorption and Integrity vs. Despair.
  • Erikson’s theory addresses both personality stability and personality change. To some degree, personality is stable, because childhood experiences influence people even as adults. However, personality also changes and develops over the life span as people face new challenges.
  • Another theory that talks about human development is Kohlberg's moral reasoning theory or why people think the way they do about right and wrong. This theory was influenced by Piaget, who believed that moral reasoning depends on the level of cognitive development, Kohlberg proposed that people pass through three levels of moral development;the preconventional level,conventional level and post-conventional level.
  • Kohlberg’s theory of moral development favors individualistic cultures. In other cultures, highly moral people may base their reasoning on communal values rather than abstract ethical principles.
  • Comparing the stages of Erikson's theory and Kohlberg's levels:
Erickson Kohlberg
Trust vs. Mistrust- Infants learn either to trust that others will care for their basic needs, including nourishment, warmth, cleanliness, and physical contact, or to lack confidence in the care of others. No moral development happens.
Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt- Children learn either to be self-sufficient in many activities, including toileting, feeding, walking, exploring, and talking or they doubt their own abilities. No moral development happens.
Initiative vs. Guilt- Children want to undertake many adult-like activities, sometimes overstepping the limits set by parents and feeling guilty. Preconventional Morality is a matter of good or bad, based on a system of punishments.
Industry vs. Inferiority- Children learn to be competent and productive in mastering new skills, or feel inferior and are unable to do anything well. Conventional Level- Morality seen as following the rules of society. Tries to be “good.” Following laws,rules etc.
Identity vs. Role Confusion- Adolescents try to figure out who they are and their purpose in life.They establish sexual, career identities or are confused about what roles to play. Postconventional- Morality consists of standards beyond specific group or authority figure.
Intimacy vs. Isolation- Young adults seek companionship and love with another person or become isolated from others by fearing rejection.
Generativity vs. Stagnation- Middle-aged adults contribute to the next generation by performing meaningful work, creative activities, and/or raising a family, or become stagnant and inactive.
Integrity vs. Despair- Older adults try to make sense out of their lives, whether seeing life as a meaningful whole or despairing at goals never reached and questions never answered.
  • Erikson pointed out that what seemed deviant in one society often made sense in a different cultural context. Everything in the environment molded a child, Erikson said; the goals and aspirations of its members,the way people think and talk, the imagery they use, the myths they have developed all are culturally influenced.
  • Because of environmental influences on personality, "normal" or expected expressions of emotions in one culture may be very different in another, and this difference may be the result of the ways children grow up and what their society expects of them. At the same time, all human beings are alike in feeling basic emotions. Anger, for example, occurs in all societies, but how individuals express it may vary.
  • Kohlberg's theory indicates difference in moral reasoning between individualistic and collectivist cultures. People do hold different belief systems in Western cultures and Asian cultures.
  • But Erikson's theory is better explanation of personality development in different cutures than Kohlberg's theory since it is more male dominated and based on individual response. Erikson explains in much more details through the stages from infancy to older adulthood how personality develops,how it gets influenced by environmental and personal factors,what challenges individuals face at each stage of development. Kohlberg's theory postconventional level is not reached by everyone and therefore moral reasoning development is incomplete.

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