Child development was largely ignored throughout much of history as children were often viewed simply as smaller versions of adults. However, as a child, you rapidly engage in new experiences and acquire most of your personal characteristics during this time. Therefore, it has been recognised that this is the most significant stage of an individual’s growth. Childhood development begins from infancy to adolescent and follows a predictable, yet progressive sequence, through a unique form of growth within each child. Understanding childhood development is essential because it allows us to fully appreciate the cognitive, emotional and physical growth that children experience. The major theories that show this …show more content…
Incorporated in this theory are five systems: microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem and chronosystem. The microsystem refers to those relationships associated to the immediate well being of the individual. (Santrock, 2011) In terms of Ruby, her microsystem is well developed, living in a close-knit nuclear family, which includes her mother, father and older brother. Ruby’s mesosystem is established with her mother allowing Jenna to play in the cul-de-sac, which develops community based-ties within the neighborhood. Furthering her outside links between the school and the local library also contributes to Ruby’s mesosystem. The third level of Bronfenbrenner’s model is the exosystem. According to Berk, 2010, this level encompasses social settings that do not include the child but will affect experiences linked directly to that individual’s immediate settings. Although both Ruby’s parents work, her mother seems to have flexible work hours which means she can regularly joins in on activities with her. Lastly, Ruby’s macrosystem is shown through the social norms, which include playing dress up in costumes in her fantasy world of Disney. Together, these systems contribute largely to the life and development of …show more content…
Santrock, 2011, states that during each stage, the individual is confronted with a crisis, which requires a resolution. The more successful the resolution is, the healthier the individual’s development will be (Santrock, 2011). Ruby falls into two stages of this period of development; autonomy versus shame and doubt, as well as initiative versus guilt. The second stage of Erikson’s theory (autonomy versus shame and doubt) centers on asserting a sense of independence within the child. Graves and Larkin, 2006, clarifies that at this stage there a sense of “holding on and letting go” (p.64). In Ruby’s case, her parents allow for a sense of selfhood, by valuing her opinion of what she wants for lunch, however, both her mother and father do exert rules and at times she must go to bed at the time they wish. This shows that there is a balance of autonomy within the relationship and Ruby’s parents neither neglect nor demand control. This in hindsight, may force shame and doubt upon the child if they excessively crush their