Social and emotional development means how children start to understand who they are, what they are
feeling and what to expect when interacting with others.
It is the development of being able to:
•
•
•
Form and sustain positive relationships.
Experience, manage and express emotions.
Explore and engage with the environment.
During the stage of industry vs. inferiority, a child is learning new skills.
Psychosocial Conflict: Industry vs. Inferiority
Major Question: "How can I be good?"
Basic Virtue: Competence
Important Event(s): School
When they productively navigate this stage, they feel useful and develop a sense of self-worth.
However, if they aren't supported in learning new skills, they may develop a sense of worthlessness or
inferiority.
6 to 12 years old
Industry vs. inferiority. Many children begin to compare themselves to their peers to see how they
measure up. They either develop a sense of pride and accomplishment in their schoolwork, sports, social
activities, and family life, or they feel inferior and inadequate because they feel that they don't measure
up.
School-aged children focus on accomplishments and begin making comparisons between themselves
and their classmates.
Impact of Industry vs. Inferiority
According to Erikson, this stage is vital in developing self-confidence.4 Kids who do well and are
encouraged in school and other activities are more likely to develop a sense of competence and
confidence.
When a child is supported during this stage, they develop a greater sense of self-esteem. Self-esteem is
linked with many benefits, including:5
Better mental health and physical health
Confidence in abilities
Higher perception of success
Positive self-image
Children who struggle in school and other activities, and aren't supported in developing their unique
skills and abilities, may be left with feelings of inadequacy and inferiority—both of which contribute to
levels of low self-esteem. Low self-esteem is linked with difficulties such as:6
Antisocial behavior
Anxiety
Depression
Lower levels of academic or job performance
Substance use
Suicidal ideation
An example of industry is that a child is encouraged to try and explore, thus they understand
that they are capable of solving problems on their own. An example of inferiority is that a child is
discouraged from developing their skills and constantly viewed in a negative light.
The following are examples of common occurrences during childhood that would build a child's
industriousness or confidence:
Olivia finds science lessons difficult, but her parents are willing to help her each night with her
homework. She also asks the teacher for help and starts to receive encouragement and praise for her
efforts. In turn, she feels more confident in her ability to complete assignments.
Derek doesn't know anyone on his softball team, so he feels alone. But his parents encourage him,
telling him it takes time to make new friends. The coach leads some "icebreaker" activities at the next
practice. Derek makes friends, and he feels capable of making friends in the future.
The following scenarios illustrate how a child may be left with feelings of inferiority:
Jack struggles with math, but his parents don't help him with his homework. His teacher is critical of his
work but does not offer any extra advice. Eventually, Jack just gives up, his grades become even worse,
and he feels that he doesn't measure up to his classmates.
The girls in Sally's class make fun of Sally for wearing "boy clothes" and not wearing makeup. Sally feels
isolated because no one validates her appearance or her choices. She starts to criticize herself more and
more, as feels inferior to her schoolmates.