Final answer:
The sociocultural theory of development, proposed by Lev Vygotsky, focuses on the impact of social interaction and cultural context on human development.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theory you're referring to is known as the sociocultural theory of development, which was proposed by Russian psychologist Lev Vygotsky. This theory emphasizes the essential roles of social interaction and cultural context in development. Vygotsky believed that our development is a lifelong process deeply embedded in and influenced by our interpersonal connections, the cultures we are part of, and the historical context of our environment. Our learning and development are thus impacted by the interplay among home, school, community, and the broader society.
Developmental psychologists have explored this theory alongside other lifespan theories of development, which include the psychosocial theory of development by Erik Erikson, cognitive development theory by Jean Piaget, and moral development theories by Lawrence Kohlberg and Carol Gilligan. These theories address various aspects such as whether human development is continuous or consists of distinct stages, the singular or diverse paths that development might take, and the debate of nature versus nurture.