Cultural Impact on Development
Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum.
Read Chapter 1 of your textbook and the article Interpretive Approaches to Culture: Understanding and Investigating Children’s Psychological DevelopmentLinks to an external site.. Also, review the webpage How Culture Influences Children’s DevelopmentLinks to an external site..
As we explore the developmental life stages in the coming weeks in this class, the impact of culture on development will be a recurring theme. Arnet and Jensen (2019) define human development as “ways people grow and change across the life span [which] includes people’s biological, cognitive, psychological, and social functioning” (p. 4). For this discussion, reflect on your own development (or that of someone you know well) in these four areas and address the following:
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Cultural Impact on Development
- What has been the most significant biological factor in your physical development?
- How has your cognition impacted your development?
- How have the dominant features of your culture impacted your psychological development?
- How have the dominant features of your culture impacted your social function as you have grown?
Your post should be a minimum of 400 words and reference all the assigned articles and webpages.
Culture and Lifespan Development: A Personal Reflection
Human development is a complex interplay of biological, cognitive, psychological, and social processes, all of which are deeply influenced by the cultural context in which a person is raised (Arnett & Jensen, 2019). Reflecting on my own development, I can clearly see how these domains have shaped who I am today.
Biological Development
The most significant biological factor in my physical development has been genetics, particularly my metabolism and physical stature. Growing up, I was always lean and energetic, traits that were inherited from my parents. My physical development milestones—such as growth spurts, motor coordination, and even the onset of puberty—occurred within expected ranges, reflecting both biological inheritance and access to adequate nutrition and healthcare.
Cognitive Development
Cognitive development, as Piaget suggests, involves progressing through stages that enable increasingly complex thought (Arnett & Jensen, 2019). My cognitive growth was influenced by early exposure to books and structured educational environments. I learned to think critically and solve problems early, skills that shaped my confidence and academic trajectory. My cultural context, which placed high value on education and respect for authority, further reinforced disciplined thinking and a strong work ethic.
