Question

Erikson believed that during middle childhood we go through the crisis of Industry vs. Inferiority (make sure you understand what industry means in this context). Do you think this still is relative with elementary school-aged children today? Why or why not?

What is different about today's elementary school-aged child's experiences compared to your experiences when you with this age?

Answer 1

Erikson believed that during middle childhood we go through the crisis of Industry vs. Inferiority (make sure you understand what industry means in this context). Do you think this still is relative with elementary school-aged children today? Why or why not?

Erikson in his 8 stages of psychosocial development explains how a person develops through various stages and how an unaccomplished stage affects one’s life. The fourth stage in his psychosocial development explains the industry Vs inferiority stage. Children at this stage demonstrate expected behavior both with the teachers and their peers and feel happy when they accomplish something for which they are appreciated. When children are encouraged and appreciated for their efforts, they develop a competitive and industrious attitude and if they are discouraged for these initiatives, they will develop inferiority complex which will affect them throughout their lives.

When I was a child I used to feel shy to get involved and initiate because we had strict parenting but today, the children are exposed to various programmes through TV and other media which gives make them very strong. Most of the kids today are competent and involve freely without shying away. They have different programmes even at the elementary school level to come out of their inhibitions. Schools also involve everyone in all their activities, thus helping the child overcome their fear. Parents are very cooperative and appreciate whatever different talent the child has.