Maharashtra Board Class 11 Child Development Chapter 9 Infancy Social Development PDF Download

Infancy: Social Development

Reflection / Darpan

Name any people whom you are close to?

Who are your best friends?

Which are the people you admire the most?

With whom do you like to share your secrets?

Which friends do you hang out with more often?

Whom will you approach for help in project or studies?

Which activities do you like to perform individually and in a group?

Do you initiate activities as a leader?

Do you like to follow others in different activities?

Do you accept changes easily?

Answers to these questions will give you an understanding of your social skills and interactions with others.

Reflection / Darpan

Here is a small interaction between two friends.

Anu was walking slowly towards school. On her way she met her classmate Shalini.

Shalini: "You look sad! What happened?"

Anu: "Nothing much... I did not get selected in the drama group. I am not in a great mood."

Shalini: "Oh! That must be so disappointing! I too feel sad or disappointed when such things happen to me."

Anu: "You do? Then what do you do?"

Shalini: "Well I talk it out. Would you like to talk about it?"

Anu: "Yes!!"

They both walk along to school. Anu shares her disappointment with Shalini.

Anu is feeling better now and there is a spring in her step.

What skills did Shalini show?

How was Anu feeling before and after talking to her friend?

Teacher's Note

When friends talk to each other about problems, they feel better. This is like how your mother listens to your school problems and makes you feel happy.

Exam Trick

Remember: A good friend listens and helps you feel better. In exams, look for questions about how talking helps solve problems.

Points to Remember

Friends are important for happiness.
Talking about problems helps you feel better.
Listening is a good skill to have.
We all need someone to share our feelings with.

9.1 Concept of Social Development and Socialization

Social interactions are an important component of nearly every aspect of our lives. The development of skills necessary to form positive and lasting social interactions begins in infancy and continues to evolve as an individual grows and develops. Skills such as trust, empathy for others, cooperation, and channeling of emotions like joy, anger, sadness, and frustration develop throughout childhood. The skills needed for social interaction develop naturally for most children. A child's ability to interact in a healthy way with the people around her or him impacts everything right from learning new words as a toddler, to being able to resist peer pressure, to successfully navigate the challenges as an adult. Healthy social development is an important aspect of an infant's healthy growth and development.

Social development refers to the process by which a child learns to interact with others around them. Social development begins from home. Infants first come in contact with their mother and gradually with others as they grow. As they develop and perceive their own individuality within their community, they also gain skills to communicate with other people and process their actions. The definitions given below will throw more light on the meaning of Social Development.

According to Hurlock, "Ability to behave according to social expectations means Social Development."

According to Freeman, "Social development is maturity in social relationship."

Both the definitions have common points as follows:

Healthy social relationships are important.

Communication is the base of healthy relationships.

Maturity in social relationships means behaving according to social expectations, learning to share, effective communication, establishing rapport, and taking turns.

The area of Social development involves learning to interact with other people and to understand and manage our own emotions. Babies start to develop relationships with the people around them right from birth, but the process of learning to communicate, share, and interact with others takes time to develop.

Teacher's Note

Social development means learning to be friendly with others. Just like you learn to read and write, you also learn to be a good friend and listen to others.

Exam Trick

Remember: Social development = Learning to interact with others. Think of it like learning a new game with friends - you need to learn the rules and play together nicely.

Points to Remember

Social development starts from birth with parents.
A child learns to make friends and share with others.
Communication means talking and listening to people.
Being mature means behaving the way society expects.
Social skills help us in school and life.

Process of Socialization

Socialization is the process by which an individual acquires the skills necessary to fulfill the expectations of the society. This process continues throughout an individual's life. During socialization, we learn the language of the culture we are born into, as well as the roles we are to play in life.

Teacher's Note

Socialization is learning to behave like people in your country. In India, children learn to respect elders and greet them with "Namaste" - this is socialization.

Exam Trick

Remember: Socialization = Learning the culture and rules of your society. It's like learning the dress code and rules when you join a new school.

Points to Remember

Socialization starts from the day you are born.
You learn language and culture from your family.
You learn what is right and wrong in your society.
This learning continues your whole life.
Family teaches you to behave like others in your country.

Teacher's Note

Babies learn to smile and recognize their mother in the first three months. This is very important for the baby to feel safe and loved like how you feel safe with your parents.

Exam Trick

Remember: Birth to 3 months = Social smile. 3 to 6 months = Knows familiar people. 6 to 12 months = Separation anxiety. These are the three main milestones to remember.

Points to Remember

A baby's first smile is called social smile and shows recognition.
By 3 to 6 months, babies laugh and respond to their names.
By 6 to 12 months, babies feel sad when parents leave them.
Babies learn emotions and behavior by watching adults.
Each month brings new learning in a baby's social life.

This is a preview of the first 3 pages. To get the complete book, click below.