Developing Ones Identity Is A Lifelong Process Sociology Essay Example

vs.Shame and Doubt, Initiative vs.Guilt, Industry vs.Inferiority, Identity vs.Role Confusion, Intimacy vs.Isolation, Generativity vs.Stagnation and Ego Integrity vs.Despair.According to Erikson, behaviors are driven by a sense of competency and each stage presents unique challenges and accomplishments that can result in either competency or crisis. The stages leading up to the main Identity versus confusion stage include Trust vs.Distrust, Autonomy vs.Shame and Doubt, Initiative vs.Guilt, and Industry vs.Inferiority. During infancy, trust is established or mistrust is formed based on the quality of care provided by health professionals. In the second phase, children make choices about food and undergo potty training which leads to feelings of security or inadequacy depending on successful completion. During preschool age in the third phase - Initiative vs.Guilt - children develop a sense of control over others which results in feelings of capability when successful but self-doubt if not. In the fourth phase - Industry vs.Inferiority – children recognize their achievements through interactions with society which fosters belief in their abilities. Finally, during adolescence’s Identity Vs Confusion phase children explore independence as they discover their sense of self.During adolescence, teenagers become more independent and involved in community activities, leading to an increase in both cognitive and physical abilities. According to Erikson's theory, this is a time when individuals explore their future careers, relationships, and beliefs with the ultimate goal of forming a cohesive sense of identity. This identity is formed through connecting oneself and one's environment in a meaningful way. However, if there are difficulties with this connection, role confusion can occur causing questioning of characteristics, self-perception and perceptions of others. Almost all adolescents experience some form of role confusion due to

physical, cognitive and social changes during this period (Kroger 2004 as quoted by Sokol 2009). Developing a strong sense of identity provides belongingness and direction in life while also serving as a reason for being which further development requires according to Erikson. James Marcia developed four Identity Statuses based on Erikson’s theory where personal choices and social commitments determine one’s sense of identity; it should be noted that these statuses may occur in any order or not at all rather than phases.Marcia has identified four positions that adolescents can find themselves in when it comes to their identity. The first is Identity Diffusion, where they may feel like they have no choice and haven't committed to anything specific yet. The next position is Identity Foreclosure, where they are willing to commit to certain roles or values based on what others expect of them. This isn't considered an identity crisis as these individuals choose to conform.

The third position is called Identity Moratorium, which happens when adolescents are in a state of crisis and ready to make choices but haven't yet committed to any options. Finally, the fourth position is known as Identity Achievement and occurs when adolescents go through an identity crisis and come out the other side with a clear sense of self.

This process isn't unique to adolescents; everyone goes through it throughout their lives. No adult can say they knew exactly who they were going to become during their youth - it's an ongoing process of action and reaction in our daily lives. According to Bronfenbrenner's theory, every aspect of life affects who we are, no matter how small.

We each exist within a vast

circle known as the microsystem, which includes our families, schools, and anything else we encounter on a daily basis. Beyond that lies the exosystem encompassing elements not within our direct sphere (like parents' workplaces or neighborhoods).Every aspect of life, including upbringing, culture, social roles, and environment contributes to shaping identity in young people. The macrosystem, consisting of events such as war, the economy, and government that influence culture and attitudes also impact adolescent identity. Although individuals are capable of determining their own paths based on beliefs and opinions during adolescence, parental figures and healthcare providers play a crucial role in factors such as religious beliefs, societal status, environment, education and future prospects. Teachers can aid in self-development by providing positive feedback to increase self-esteem and establishing an effective learning environment to encourage cognitive growth. They serve as powerful role models promoting positive group dynamics through projects while fostering self-identity for personal growth which positively impacts students' lives; knowing one's students is essential for achieving this goal. (Sources: Cherry K., 2012)The websites listed below cover various topics related to psychosocial development, identity development, and case study research. These include "Phases of Psychosocial Development: Psychosocial Development in Preschool, Middle Childhood, and Adolescence" by Feinstein (2007) retrieved from http://psychology.about.com/od/psychosocialtheories/a/psychosocial_2.htm; "Teaching the At-Risk Teenage Brain" by Gilgun (1993) retrieved from http://www.scribd.com/doc/38414815/Erik-Erikson-Case-Study-Research; "Development and proof of ego identity status" by Marcia (1966) retrieved from http://iws2.collin.edu/lstern/JamesMarcia.pdf; "Social Identity Theory" by McLeod (2008) retrieved from http://www.simplypsychology.org/social-identity-theory.html; "Identity Development Throughout the Lifetime: An Examination of Eriksonian Theory" by Sokol (2009) retrieved from http://epublications.marquette.edu/gjcp/vol1/iss2/14; "Experiments in Intergroup Discrimination" by Tajfel (1970) retrieved from http://www.holah.karoo.net/tajfestudy.htm; and “Child and Adolescent Development” by Woolfolk and Perry (2012).