According to Erikson, what is the primary developmental challenge for school-age children?

In Erikson's psychosocial development theory, school-age children, typically aged 6 to 12 years, face the developmental challenge known as Industry vs. Inferiority. During this stage, children begin to engage more with their peers and the broader world, acquiring new skills and competencies. They learn the importance of mastering tasks, taking pride in their achievements, and developing a sense of industry through their activities, such as schoolwork, sports, and hobbies.

When children successfully navigate this stage and develop initiative and competence, they gain confidence in their abilities and a sense of accomplishment. Conversely, if they encounter repeated failure or feel inadequate compared to their peers, they may experience feelings of inferiority, which can hinder their motivation and self-esteem. This developmental challenge is crucial because it sets the foundation for future stages where identity and role formation will emerge in adolescence.

Other developmental challenges, such as Trust vs. Mistrust and Autonomy vs. Shame, occur in earlier stages of a child's life. Trust vs. Mistrust typically refers to infancy, focusing on the development of trust when caregivers provide reliability and care. Autonomy vs. Shame is centered around toddlers gaining independence and the balance between autonomy and the fear of shame or doubt.

The challenge of Identity