Self-Concept and Socialization

Critical Thinking Questions

1. Why is it important for children to be able to choose their own activities and have some independent time?
2. What other developmental benefits might be gained by allowing children to work or play independently?

Self-concept begins to develop very early, as babies first realize that their limbs are part of their bodies; it grows as toddlers, for example, begin to recognize their images in a mirror (Papalia & Feldman, 2011). This is a multidimensional concept that also affects how a child develops relationships with others.

Children acquire personal identity as they learn to recognize and feel comfortable with their self-images and bodies. They begin to understand their social identity as comprising the kinds of things that characterize them as individuals within larger groups, such as ethnicity, culture, gender, and social standing (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010; Kowalski, 2007). They develop an attitude of confidence and an internalized sense of self-worth as they experience repeated success at completing tasks and solving problems. Young children also begin to develop empathythe ability to imagine or understand how another person might feel in different situations. All these things are needed for a child to build healthy social relationships with peers and others.