Socialization is defined as learning social norms and gaining social experience and using it to help build a unique personality and become a part of society. Unlike other species, studies show that humans need social interaction to live normal,healthy lives. Researchers in the mid 1800s to 1900s came up with six major theories of socialization, including the Erik H. Erikson’s 8 stages of development. Erikson looked at human development in a broader view and broke down the stages of life.
The very first stage of Erikson’s theory occurs in infancy. Between the ages of birth to 2 years old, there is a giant dependency on the family members, infants in this stage need to build trust with themselves and most importantly the ones around them. Trust is crucial in this stage because infants can do very little by themselves, and depend on their senses because that is all they have. if the infant is unable to feel safe in their own homes, they will not be able to feel safe in the …show more content…
By the time the child becomes a toddler, basic needs are learned. Such as toilet training, feeding, and most importantly, walking. Toddlers are able to at least explore the world around them and learn how to cope with the world. Toddlers who do not get the opportunity to learn these skills will have self esteem issues and be very doubtful of their abilities.
The third stage occurs in Preschool years, and is the challenge of initiative vs. guilt. As children are getting older and start to attend some time of school, they must learn how to interact with the individuals surrounding them as well as the objects around them. This stage is where the imagination begins to expand. We play with dolls, miniature cars,and other toys to see what it is like to be an adult. This is where children begin to ask the question :”Why do these things