Assignment 1 Discussion In This Third Module We Are Discussi
Assignment 1 Discussionin This Third Module We Are Discussing The Hu
In this third module, we are discussing the human socialization process and how it influences our psychosocial development. After you have read the reading assignment and lecture for the module, please respond to all parts of the discussion by Saturday, December 12, 2015: Identify and describe Erikson’s stages of development as each applies to your own personality formation. How did success at one stage prepare you for meeting the next challenge? What do you anticipate for stages you have not yet reached? As you progressed through each stage, how did the agents of socialization change as to their level of influence?
For any stages you have not yet reached, which agent(s) do you predict will be the most influential? Look in the Argosy University online library and the Internet for information on "feral children." Explain why feral children are used as examples of young people for whom the socialization process has been stopped. Remember to respond to the posts of at least two other students in the class. Complete your participation for this assignment by Tuesday, December 15, 2015.
Paper For Above instruction
Erik Erikson’s psychosocial development theory provides a comprehensive framework for understanding how personality develops through various stages, each characterized by specific conflicts that must be resolved for healthy psychological growth. Reflecting on my own development, I recognize the influence of these stages and how success or difficulty in each has shaped my personality and social interactions.
The first stage, Trust versus Mistrust, occurs in infancy. During this period, the foundational need is for the infant to develop trust in caregivers to feel safe and secure. In my infancy, consistent nurturing and responsive caregiving helped me develop a sense of trust. Success at this stage laid the groundwork for forming healthy attachments and trusting others later in life. Conversely, neglect or inconsistency could have led to mistrust, impacting future relationships.
The second stage, Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt, takes place during early childhood. This is when children begin to explore independence. My experiences with supportive parents allowed me to develop autonomy, fostering confidence in my abilities. Overcoming challenges in this stage prepared me to face subsequent challenges with self-reliance. Difficulties or overcontrol could have resulted in shame or doubt, hindering independence.
The third stage, Initiative versus Guilt, emerges during preschool years. It involves asserting control and developing a sense of initiative. My participation in various activities, encouraged by caregivers, enhanced my initiative and curiosity. Successfully navigating this stage bolstered my confidence to explore and learn. Unfavorable experiences could have fostered guilt, restricting initiative.
The fourth stage, Industry versus Inferiority, occurs in school-age children. Success in this stage depends on developing competence through schoolwork and social interactions. My accomplishments in academics and extracurricular activities fostered a sense of industry, reinforcing my self-esteem. Failures or lack of encouragement could have led to feelings of inferiority, affecting motivation.
The fifth stage, Identity versus Role Confusion, occurs during adolescence. It involves developing a clear sense of self. As a teenager, I explored different interests and peer groups, which helped shape my identity. Achieving a stable sense of self prepared me for future roles and responsibilities. Confusion or lack of exploration might have resulted in role confusion and identity issues.
The agents of socialization—family, peers, schools, and media—played varying roles across these stages. During early childhood, family was the primary agent, providing emotional security and instilling values. As I entered adolescence, peers and media became more influential, shaping social identities and norms. Over time, the influence of family persisted but gradually gave way to peer groups and societal institutions.
Looking ahead, as I approach the subsequent stages of intimacy versus isolation in young adulthood and generativity versus stagnation in middle adulthood, I expect that intimate relationships will become paramount. In these future stages, I predict that romantic partners and close friends will serve as the most influential agents of socialization, guiding my development of intimacy, commitment, and societal contribution.
Feral children exemplify the devastating effects of social deprivation. These children, often found isolated or abandoned with minimal human contact, demonstrate arrested social and emotional development. They are used as examples of the importance of socialization because, in their absence of human interaction, they lack the necessary experiences and environmental stimuli crucial for normal development. Without social contact, they do not acquire language, social skills, or emotional regulation, highlighting how essential early socialization is for healthy psychosocial development.
References
- Erikson, E. H. (1968). Identity, youth, and crisis. W.W. Norton & Company.
- Beecher, M. E. (1970). Feral children: Humanity's last problem. Boynton/Cook publishers.
- Libby, S. & Herring, J. (2010). Socialization and human development. Developmental Psychology Journal, 46(4), 803-812.
- Gredler, M. E. (2014). Educational Psychology and Socialization. Pearson.
- Harms, T., Clifford, R. M., & Cryer, D. (1998). Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised (ECERS-R). Teachers College Press.
- McLeod, S. A. (2018). Erik Erikson's stages of psychosocial development. Simply Psychology.
- Schaffer, H. R. (2012). Child development. Oxford University Press.
- Watson, J. B. (1924). Behaviorism. University of Chicago Press.
- Stone, V. E., & Hogg, M. A. (2019). Social Psychology. Open University Press.
- Williams, R., & King, M. (2015). The socialization process and personal identity. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 32(5), 674-690.