Erikson believed life is characterized by constant change and development is shaped by what factor?

• A. The social context
• B. Genetic inheritance
• C. Fixed stages unrelated to environment
• D. Brain maturation alone

Answer: (A)

Erikson’s view emphasizes that development unfolds through ongoing interaction with others and the surrounding culture. He proposed psychosocial crises at each life stage that arise from social expectations, relationships, and the society one is in. This means growth isn’t driven mainly by biology or fixed, environment-free stages; it’s shaped by how people, communities, and cultures respond to us across the lifespan.

Choosing social context as the factor captures how caregiver relationships, social roles, and cultural norms influence whether a person develops a sense of trust, autonomy, identity, and other outcomes.

Genetic inheritance focuses on biology, which Erikson’s theory treats as secondary to the social environment. Fixed stages unrelated to environment contradict his idea that social demands continually shape development. Brain maturation alone would ignore the essential social interactions that influence growth.