STAGES OF SE SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT UNIT 3

Stages of Social Development

1. The Stage of Pre-Social Behaviour (Infancy Period: 0 to 2 years)

• Social development is minimal, with focus on body-wants.
• Infants respond to caregivers' behavior.
• By age 1, infants begin to form response patterns to adults.
• Key behaviors:
  • Smiles in response to adult glances.
  • Cries when an adult leaves (2-3 months).
  • Becomes quieted by caressing (4 months).
  • Reacts negatively to strangers (3-6 months).
  • Reaches out for adults (7-8 months).
  • Seeks attention through movements (9-10 months).
  • Imitates movements of other children (9-10 months).
  • Engages in organized play (10-11 months).

2. Progress from Individualization to Socialization (Early Childhood Period: 2 to 6 years)

• Shift from individualization to socialization in behavior.
• Key developments:
  • Initially, the child believes, "What is mine is mine."
  • Gradually learns, "What is mine is yours too."
  • Becomes sensitive to others' feelings and attitudes.
  • Begins to identify as part of a social group.
• Habits like cooperation, rivalry, and social approval emerge.

3. Expansion of the Social World (Late Childhood Period: 6 to 12 years)

• Entry into formal education expands the social sphere.
• Key developments:
  • Formation of peer groups and stronger social bonds.
  • Learning social adjustments and acceptable behaviors.
  • Increased interactions beyond the family environment.

4. Adolescence Period (12+ years)

• Focus shifts from family to peer groups.
• Key characteristics:
  • Strong desire for status, recognition, and belonging.
  • Development of leadership, cooperation, and social attitudes.
  • Exploration of independence and conflicts with authority.
  • Peer relationships strongly influence personal and social development.