Question

While Erikson's intimacy-versus-isolation stage approach has been influential, some aspects of his theory have come under scrutiny by today's developmentalists in all of the following areas EXCEPT

a. Erikson did not recognize that some couples are childless by choice.
b. Erikson's point of view of healthy intimacy was limited to heterosexuality.
c. Erikson's point of view focused on men's development rather than women's development.
d. Erikson's emphasis on examining the continued growth and development of the personality throughout the lifespan.

Answer 1

Erikson's theory is critiqued except for his view on continuous personality development throughout the lifespan. Criticisms include oversight of voluntary childlessness, a heteronormative bias, and a focus on male development.

Step-by-step explanation:

Erikson's theory has been influential in understanding personality development across the lifespan. However, his work has faced criticism except in one area. Erikson's emphasis on examining the continued growth and development of the personality throughout the lifespan is not an area of scrutiny by today's developmentalists.

Erikson's psychosocial theory is recognized for highlighting that personality development continues through one's life, contrasting Freud's emphasis on psychosexual development that centered on early childhood. Erikson identified eight stages of development, each with its own psychosocial challenge. For instance, the challenge in early adulthood is intimacy versus isolation, stressing the importance of forming personal relationships. Despite its impact, some critiques focus on Erikson's lack of consideration for childless couples by choice, a heteronormative perspective on intimacy, and a male-centric view of development, while his work on lifelong growth remains relatively undisputed.