According to psychologists, experiences, especially at a young age, have tremendous impacts on one’s development. In terms of the author in the South African context, one can evidently see how this is applicable. The following essay will analyse the author’s development, by correlating her experiences to psychological theories. Firstly, Erikson’s Developmental Stages will be delved into, particularly, focusing on his fourth and fifth stage. Subsequently, Parental Styles and Ainsworth’s Attachment theories will be analysed in relation to the authors upbringing. Lastly, a broader critique of Erikson’s theories will be analysed in association to the author in the South African context.
Erik Erikson is yet today a profound psychologist due to his Stage Theory of Development (Fleming, 2004). His theory proposes that throughout the lifespan an individual will experience eight stages of crises whereby one will need to encounter two contrasting forces, the forces of one’s personal impulses and the forces of society (Fleming, 2004; Coon & Mitterer, 2012). Thus, the theory instates that one’s reaction to these crises is what shapes personality and development (Fleming, 2004). For the purpose of this essay, the …show more content…
Firstly, Erikson’s theory embodies a predominantly Western pattern of development (Schachter, 2005). This is problematic in South Africa as different cultures follow different patterns of development which can be seen in the differences of the author’s Jewish culture to that of an African culture (Schachter, 2005). More so, South African socio-economic circumstances, such as child-headed homes, may make children susceptible to unpredictable development patterns (Meintjes, Hall, Marera, & Boulle, 2010). Erikson’s theory is also limited in accounting for women’s development (Fleming, 2004). This, implies that theory is not fully applicable to any South African women, including the
Erik Erikson is yet today a profound psychologist due to his Stage Theory of Development (Fleming, 2004). His theory proposes that throughout the lifespan an individual will experience eight stages of crises whereby one will need to encounter two contrasting forces, the forces of one’s personal impulses and the forces of society (Fleming, 2004; Coon & Mitterer, 2012). Thus, the theory instates that one’s reaction to these crises is what shapes personality and development (Fleming, 2004). For the purpose of this essay, the …show more content…
Firstly, Erikson’s theory embodies a predominantly Western pattern of development (Schachter, 2005). This is problematic in South Africa as different cultures follow different patterns of development which can be seen in the differences of the author’s Jewish culture to that of an African culture (Schachter, 2005). More so, South African socio-economic circumstances, such as child-headed homes, may make children susceptible to unpredictable development patterns (Meintjes, Hall, Marera, & Boulle, 2010). Erikson’s theory is also limited in accounting for women’s development (Fleming, 2004). This, implies that theory is not fully applicable to any South African women, including the