Child Development and Family Socialization Dynamics

The Family: Primary Agent of Socialization

Theme 7 focuses on the family as the primary agent of socialization. It is important to understand the expectations within this context to contribute effectively to the child's integral development.

Socialization is the central process of interaction between the child and their environment. An environment with few stimuli can lead to cognitive and social development deficits.

The family is the major social context where the child lives, and it is here that programs for basic autonomous learning are established.

Core Processes of Socialization

Within the socialization process, three fundamental processes occur, affecting development:

• Affective Development
• Cognitive Development
• Social Development (including cognitive social skills)

Early Development and Identity Formation

In the first years of life, the child acquires their social identity within the personal self and the family unit.

Parental Styles and Dimensions of Child Socialization

Parents educate and treat children based on personal characteristics and socialization goals. There are four main types of parenting styles, determined by four key dimensions:

1. Degree of control over the children.
2. Communication quality.
3. Demands for maturity.
4. Affection (in relation to the style adopted).

Four Parenting Types

These dimensions result in styles often categorized as:

• Arbitrary
• Permissive
• Authoritarian
• Democratic

The Affective Process: Attachment Theory (APGO)

The affective process begins with the baby’s affective relationship with the mother (known as Apego or APGO/Attachment). This relationship fosters social capacity and adaptive conduct.

The Role of Attachment (APGO)

According to Bowlby, attachment influences social conduct up to 7 or 8 years of age. The child's health and mental capacity are dependent on these affective bonds.

The relationship between the child and the attachment figure processes models of representation, which significantly influence the adult personality.

Consequences of Deprivation (Spitz)

Research by Spitz showed that abandoned children (between 1 month and 1 year old) exhibited significant cognitive and social delays, and were highly susceptible to infectious diseases.

Relationships with siblings and parents are also extremely important. Learning acquired in the family environment is often difficult to change later in life.

The Behavioral Process and Values

The behavioral process involves the acquisition of values, which presupposes knowledge, norms, attitudes, habits, social skills, and control over behavior.

From birth, figures are established through attachment. The child observes and assimilates behavior, which is crucial for modifying or preventing undesirable conduct.

Factors Influencing Family Climate

The affective climate within the family is determined by the quantity and quality of affective relationships among its members. The child needs a response to affection and approval from the family.

The family plays a crucial role in the modeling of the child's psychological self. This interaction is mediated by the child's own innate physical and psychological characteristics. These factors, along with other socializing contexts, determine the child's function.

Societal and Family Evolution

The evolution of the family nucleus means that parents are the ones who decide when, where, and how to educate (school) their children. They teach habits and facilitate possible contacts in everyday life.

Changes in Childhood and Education

Sociological changes have altered the concept of childhood and the role of children’s education. In many rural societies, where several generations coexist, young children often help with farm work. This early, natural socialization stage is often fast and little differentiated, with formal instruction typically beginning around 7 years of age.