Reflecting on Child and Adolescent Development

Reflecting on Child and Adolescent Development

The first concept I would like to discuss is identity development. Identity formation is the process through which people establish a sense of self and a cogent understanding of who they are in relation to other people and their environment. In the context of racial equality movements, identity development becomes especially relevant for children and adolescents belonging to marginalized racial and ethnic groups. The second concept is cultural socialization. Cultural socialization is the process by which people pick up information, beliefs, and behavior patterns specific to their cultural group. It entails passing over cultural values, customs, and behaviors from generation to generation.

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As a professional, the knowledge of identity development in the context of racial equality movements will guide me to create a supportive and inclusive environment for children and adolescents. This can be achieved by encouraging open discussions about race and diversity, validating racial and cultural identities, and providing resources that celebrate heritage (Rogers, 2020). Understanding the importance of cultural socialization will also shape my approach by actively promoting cultural traditions, values, and practices.

The historical event of racial equality movements has profoundly impacted the concepts of identity development and cultural socialization. Personally, as a black woman whose family has experienced racial inequalities, these movements have brought awareness, validation, and a sense of empowerment. Witnessing and participating in these movements has helped me further understand and embrace my racial identity while also instilling a deep sense of pride and resilience within my family. The emphasis on cultural socialization allows us to pass on our traditions, values, and history to the younger generations, fostering a strong connection to our heritage (Tomlinson et al., 2021). These movements have not only challenged oppressive structures but have also provided opportunities for personal growth, community building, and a collective sense of belonging. The impact of these historical events reinforces the importance of continued efforts toward racial equality and serves as a reminder that our identities and cultural experiences are valuable and worthy of celebration.

References

Rogers, O. (2020, December 17). “Black Lives Matter” matters for children’s development. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/who-am-i-who-are-we/202012/black-lives-matter-matters-children-s-development

Tomlinson, M., Richter, L., & Slemming, W. (2021). What the science of child and adolescent development contributes to understanding the impacts of COVID-19. South African Journal of Science, 117(1/2). https://doi.org/10.17159/sajs.2021/8876

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Like human development, every course you take at Walden University is a journey. You likely start out with some excitement about the material, and you look forward to exploring a variety of topics. By the end of the course, you have engaged with readings, media pieces, Discussions, and Assignments that have transformed your thinking in some way.

Think back to each week of this course. As you read the introductions and looked over the Learning Resources, did you find concepts that you could relate to in your own developmental path or in the development of others? If you are a parent, perhaps you considered changing some of the ways you discipline your child or received confirmation that you were making good choices in your parenting. Perhaps understanding that all children come into this world with their own unique disposition made you feel better if you know a shy child who often needs to be coaxed to play with others. Or perhaps, you were confused as you read about the complicated patterns of genetic inheritance and wished you could skip that material!

For your final Discussion assignment in this course, you will reflect on the nature of human development from conception through adolescence and apply concepts and/or findings to recent historical events.