Final answer:
Erikson believed that fear of violating parental norms is a fundamental influence in a child's life. This aligns with Freud's concept of the Superego, where societal and parental standards are internalized, exemplified in stages like the Oedipus complex during the phallic stage. This fear leads to a child's adherence to norms such as the incest taboo and guides their development.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Erikson's view, the fear of violating parental norms can be a powerful force in the life of a young child. Erikson, building upon Freud's theories, identified various stages of psychosocial development, with the early stages having a focus on trust, autonomy, and a sense of shame and doubt. A failure in these stages can result in feelings of anxiety or inadequacy, an effect which also resonates with Freud's concept of the Superego - the internalization of parental and societal standards.
For instance, during the phallic stage of psychosexual development, a boy experiences the Oedipus complex, where he has a desire for his mother and sees his father as a rival. Fear of retribution from the father for these feelings, as Freud suggested, leads the child to repress these desires in adherence to societal norms, such as the incest taboo. Erikson's stages demonstrate that not only taboo desires but also fears and social expectations from parents shape a child's development and behavior.
In both cases, whether it's the fear of violating the incest taboo or just the everyday expectations set by parents, children are greatly influenced by the standards set forth by their caregivers, and this shapes their development into adults.