Industry vs. Inferiority

The next stage of development is the middle childhood years (ages 6–12). The key developmental tasks are to engage in social activities, to expand knowledge in many areas, to accept differences in people, to develop cooperative skills, and to further develop physical skills. The struggle that a person experiences in
this stage is between industry and inferiority. A person would need to achieve goals while keeping a proper perspective on his or her failures. The expectations of the person’s parents at this stage can influence his or her self-concept. Expectations that are too high or low will contribute to a person’s irrational thoughts regarding his or her ability to meet or not meet goals. This is the stage when a person develops his or her morality.

What morals do you prescribe? What criteria do you use to determine whether you relate to someone in a good or bad way? Many children are influenced by their parents to adopt the same prejudices and morality. Others adopt the morality of external influences such as television and music. When a person does not
adapt to differences, cooperate with others, or understand good and bad behavior, he will have unmet milestones in this developmental stage.

The behavioral expectations you develop for the virtue of love will need to reflect acts of charity toward people who are different from you, whether in race, gender, ethnicity, or beliefs. Perhaps you can volunteer at a local charity; this will expose you to different cultures and beliefs, thereby helping you to expand
your knowledge as well as adapt to new experiences. Working in a soup kitchen for the homeless, handing out food at a local food bank, or supporting a charitable cause for other ethnic groups are just some of the ways in which love can be demonstrated.

To demonstrate respect, you can ask another person to help you demonstrate cooperation. Start by exchanging ideas in a give-and-take fashion. Allow the other person to state his or her views during a conversation, and then give value to what is presented. This does not mean you have to agree with what is said. You will also need to show that you can take turns while engaged in a “sharing activity” with another person. Many adults have never learned to share or take turns. Do you share the remote control in your house? How do you arrange for tasks to be shared? People can take turns making a meal, caring for a child, performing a chore, selecting activities, and other tasks that impact both individuals.