Social Development in 3 stages: Empowering Social Growth

Social Development

At the time of birth, a child’s sociality is almost zero. Along with physical and mental development, his socialization also starts. As he comes in contact with people, he learns to behave according to social traditions, beliefs, customs, etc., and learns to establish himself in the social world. This process leads to the social development of the child. [0]

Characteristics of social development in childhood

• Group membership: The likes of the group and others determine their games, clothes, and inappropriate things.
• Social Qualities: The qualities of responsibility, cooperation, courage, tolerance, self-control, and justice gradually start developing in the child.

Due to gender discrimination, the girl develops interest in outside work, embroidery, knitting, and household work.

Social development refers to the process of development through which an individual develops his/her own social environment.

The person becomes a respected partner of the society and a useful and efficient citizen. He develops a sense of co-existence. He works towards the welfare of the society and learns to sacrifice his vested interests in the spirit of public welfare. The ability to communicate and adapt to other individuals is a part of social development.

Now, we will understand how the social development accelerates in infancy, childhood and adolescence.

(i) Social development during infancy

• Social development is zero at the time of birth.
• In the third month, the child starts recognizing the mother and family members.
• In the sixth month, he seems to be afraid of strangers. Often aggressive behavior towards things (like hair, clothes, watches, glasses, etc.) starts to do this (like pulling).
• A one-year-old child mixes with the family members.
• A two-year-old child tells his family members their tasks and assists in tasks.

(ii) Social development in childhood

In this stage, the pace of socialization increases:

• A three-year-old child starts playing with other babies and children in the neighborhood.
• A sense of morality begins to develop in a five-year-old child. He tries to mold himself according to the norms accepted by the group of which he is a member.
• A child enters school at the age of six years; hence, along with formal education, social development also begins with making new friends.
• Extroversion: child likes to stay out of the house. His behavior is polite, and he wants to make an impression on others.
• Desire for social acceptance: At this stage, the child has a strong desire to get social acceptance and praise.
• Feeling of negativity: If a child who wants acceptance from family and society is rejected by the family or if we do not get love, affection, and protection from society, they start having negative thoughts towards them.
• Friend selection: At this stage, children select their friends. Male and female child make friends of same sex.

(iii) Social Development in Adolescence

• Formation of groups: Permanent groups are formed for entertainment, music, drama, dance, tours, picnics, etc., whereas childhood groups are temporary.
• Devotion to the group: Shows respect for rules and ideals.
• Development of friendship: In the beginning, a boy is friends with another boy, and a girl is friends with another girl, but later this friendship becomes of opposite sex. They dress up in their best attire and make each other happy. They want to be present in front of others.

• Development of social qualities: The qualities of cooperation, sympathy, goodwill, and leadership develop. They wish to get a special place in the group.
• Sense of social maturity: Social maturity develops more sense of duties and responsibilities towards society. [1]
• Feeling of rebellion: Due to the pressure of morality and values by parents and family, a feeling of rebellion towards society and family develops in the child.
• Choosing a Career Path: Teens explore future jobs and passions and discover their strengths and interests. This finds their purpose and direction.
• Earning Respect and Recognition: Teens seek independence and respect. They do the Part-time jobs and activities to build confidence. Their Self-esteem grows with accomplishments. They feel proud. [2]
• Understanding Politics and Social Issues: Teens learn about politics and social issues. They develop values,  opinions and awareness of their role in society grows. They become informed citizens.

Factors Influencing Social Development:

1. Heredity: Your genes affect how you behave around others. They influence traits like being outgoing or shy.

2. Physical Growth: How you grow and develop physically affects how others see you and how you feel about yourself.

3. Mental Growth: As you grow mentally, you understand people better and make better friends. [3]

4. Family: Your family teaches you how to interact with others. Supportive families help you grow socially.

5. Money: Having enough money gives you opportunities to meet new people and learn new things.

6. Society: The rules and values of your community shape how you behave and interact. [4]

7. School: School helps you make friends, learn social skills, and grow as a person.

8. Media: What you read, watch, and listen to affects how you see the world and interact with others.

9. Teachers: Good teachers help you build confidence, make friends, and learn social skills.

10. Religion: Your faith teaches you values and morals that guide your interactions.

11. Politics: Being interested in politics helps you understand social issues and make a difference.

12. Neighborhood: Living in a safe, supportive community helps you make friends and grow socially.

13. Friends: Having good friends helps you feel good about yourself and learn social skills.

14. Technology: Social media and online connections can help or harm your social growth.

15. Life Experiences: Going through tough times or achieving success shapes how you interact with others.