Lecture Notes: Nature vs. Nurture and Theories of Social Development

Introduction

• Discussion on observing similarities between individuals and their parents.
• Exploration of the nature vs. nurture debate:
  • Nature: Biologically determined behavior (e.g., instinctive actions like a baby gripping a finger)
  • Nurture: Influences from the environment and upbringing

Socialization

• Socialization is the process by which we develop our personalities, learn societal norms, and cultural values.
• Lack of socialization can severely affect emotional and cognitive development.

Case Study: Anna

• Sociologist Kingsley Davis’s study on Anna (a neglected child) demonstrates effects of social isolation:
  • Found at 5, unable to speak or interact
  • Development remained severely stunted
  • Died at age 10
• Highlights importance of social interaction for development

Theories of Social Development

Sigmund Freud

• Theory on personality development:
  • Id: Instinctive drives and desires
  • Ego: Reason and self-control
  • Superego: Internalized societal values and norms

Jean Piaget

• Four stages of cognitive development:
  1. Sensorimotor Stage: Interaction through senses (0-2 years)
  2. Preoperational Stage: Language use, egocentric thinking (2-7 years)
  3. Concrete Operational Stage: Logical thinking, understanding others’ perspectives (7-11 years)
  4. Formal Operational Stage: Abstract reasoning (12+ years)

Lawrence Kohlberg

• Stages of moral development:
  1. Pre-conventional Stage: Right is what feels good
  2. Conventional Stage: Right is what society endorses
  3. Post-conventional Stage: Abstract ethical principles

Carol Gilligan

• Critiqued Kohlberg’s stages:
  • Boys focus on justice perspective
  • Girls focus on care and responsibility perspective
  • Differences attributed to cultural conditioning

George Herbert Mead

• Development of self through social interactions:
  • Imitation Stage: Mimicking observed behaviors
  • Play Stage: Assuming roles in play (e.g., playing "mommy")
  • Game Stage: Understanding multiple roles
  • Generalized Other: Integrating societal norms and expectations

Erik Erikson

• Eight stages of development across the lifespan:
  • Challenges vary by life stage (e.g., autonomy in toddlers, intimacy in young adults)

Conclusion

• Importance of socialization in defining adulthood and societal roles.
• Next topic: Agents of socialization.

Production Notes

• Episode filmed in Dr. Cheryl C. Kinney Studio, Missoula, MT.
• Animation by Thought Cafe.
• Support via Patreon for continuation of the series.