ABSTRACT
How Does Social Role Theory Answer the Basic Questions that a Theory of Human Development Is Expected to Address?
Critique of Social Role Theory
Strengths
Weaknesses
Key Terms
A major question in the study of human development is how the immature child is transformed into a mature, well-integrated member of society. The learning theories point to moment-by-moment features of the environment that shape behaviors and form enduring habits. In contrast, social role theory focuses on how children, adolescents, and adults are able to locate their positions and status within the society, and how they learn the behaviors, feelings, and expectations that are associated with their roles. Social role theory traces the process of socialization and personality development as a person moves through life, occupying and enacting increasingly diverse and complex social roles.
