Final answer:
Roger's relationship with his neighbor illustrates 'friendships based on mutual interests', where children from ages six to ten develop friendships based on shared activities and proximity, with increasing importance on cooperation and social skills.
Step-by-step explanation:
Roger's interaction with his friend who lives next door exhibits a stage of friendship development called friendships based on mutual interests. At this stage, similar interests and activities are central to the formation and maintenance of these friendships. Middle childhood, typically ranging from ages six to ten, is a crucial time for children as they start to value friendships more and begin to play in mixed-gender groups. Although children may still enjoy solitary play, the importance of friendships grows as they start to engage in cooperative activities, like team sports or group projects.
Friendship at this age involves cooperation, sharing, and sometimes even feelings of jealousy toward peers or siblings. Children are also discovering how to balance multiple roles and responsibilities within these friendships. The proximity of their friends often plays a significant role in the development of relationships during this period, as children are more likely to befriend peers they have frequent contact with, such as classmates or neighborhood playmates.
An example of this stage would involve playing sports together, as pictured in Figure 23.6.8, where cooperation and shared interests are evident. These activities not only provide fun but also serve as an agent of socialization, teaching children how to interact socially with their peers.