Discuss and critique three assumptions underlying life span theory.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Ans: First, Erikson’s writing discusses his theory as though he was describing “normal” human development. What he fails to recognize is that his understanding of human development is based on
White, Western, male, heterosexual development. It does not account for the important role diversity plays in shaping both human beings and their environments. Second, LST theory is a product of the psychodynamic tradition. However, Erikson’s work begins shifting the emphasis from intra-psychic dynamics, among the id, ego, and superego, to placing the ego at the center of the developmental process. This opens the door for a deeper emphasis on interactions between persons and their environments. This made the theory much more congruent with social work’s focus on person-in-environment. Another assumption in Erikson’s work is the connection between physical and psychological development in the context of the environment. LST theories, sometimes called “age-stage” theories, conceive human growth and development as an interaction of temporal and psychological processes unfolding simultaneously. However, this is not necessarily true for everybody given the diversity everybody is faced with.