Erikson and maslow
Daniela A Cruz Valle
Professor Karen Casey
DSSA 100X
21 November 2013
A wide variety of theories and methods attempt to explain early childhood learning and development. Erickson and Maslow both have theories that focus on social and personality development, as well as a person’s motivation to learn throughout their lives. Their theories are helpful in understanding Jeannette Walls’ development of self. Erickson and Maslow also help clarify why her mother, father, and living in New York City were such influential factors in the development of Jeanette’s sense of self. Erickson theorizes that a person experiences different stages, and the “Individual confronts a major challenge or ‘crisis” (Boles, Danner, Briggs & Johnson 107). He suggests that a person experiences each stage at an approximate age and must resolve each stage in order to develop properly. Erickson speculated that, “If crises are not resolved positively at particular points in the life span… that later problems will ensue” (Boles, Danner, Briggs & Johnson 107).In contrast, Maslow’s theory focuses on what he calls the “self-actualization theory”, which says that “behavior and learning are motivated by a hierarchy of needs” (Boles, Danner, Briggs & Johnson 109). While Erickson believes that a person experiences stages at a certain age (Boles, Danner, Briggs & Johnson 107). Maslow theorizes that a person’s “basic needs” must be met in order to move up the pyramid, or “hierarchy of needs”, and ultimately reach their “growth needs”. One cannot reach the top of the pyramid, which is “self-actualization”, until they have achieved these goals. (Boles, Danner, Briggs & Johnson 109-110).
Jeannette’s earliest memory was when she was three years old; her mother was too busy painting to cook something to eat. So little Jeannette pulled a chair to reach the stove and boil hot dogs to eat. Her dress caught on fire and she was badly burned. During her six-week hospital stay, her parents would visit and
Professor Karen Casey
DSSA 100X
21 November 2013
A wide variety of theories and methods attempt to explain early childhood learning and development. Erickson and Maslow both have theories that focus on social and personality development, as well as a person’s motivation to learn throughout their lives. Their theories are helpful in understanding Jeannette Walls’ development of self. Erickson and Maslow also help clarify why her mother, father, and living in New York City were such influential factors in the development of Jeanette’s sense of self. Erickson theorizes that a person experiences different stages, and the “Individual confronts a major challenge or ‘crisis” (Boles, Danner, Briggs & Johnson 107). He suggests that a person experiences each stage at an approximate age and must resolve each stage in order to develop properly. Erickson speculated that, “If crises are not resolved positively at particular points in the life span… that later problems will ensue” (Boles, Danner, Briggs & Johnson 107).In contrast, Maslow’s theory focuses on what he calls the “self-actualization theory”, which says that “behavior and learning are motivated by a hierarchy of needs” (Boles, Danner, Briggs & Johnson 109). While Erickson believes that a person experiences stages at a certain age (Boles, Danner, Briggs & Johnson 107). Maslow theorizes that a person’s “basic needs” must be met in order to move up the pyramid, or “hierarchy of needs”, and ultimately reach their “growth needs”. One cannot reach the top of the pyramid, which is “self-actualization”, until they have achieved these goals. (Boles, Danner, Briggs & Johnson 109-110).
Jeannette’s earliest memory was when she was three years old; her mother was too busy painting to cook something to eat. So little Jeannette pulled a chair to reach the stove and boil hot dogs to eat. Her dress caught on fire and she was badly burned. During her six-week hospital stay, her parents would visit and