The fourth stage occurs during childhood between the ages of six and 11.
The industry vs. inferiority stage is all about building skills and confidence.
It’s full of trial and error, but it’s an important part of growing up.
Verywell / Nusha Ashjaee
But what happens if kids don’t get the support they need?
His theory outlines a roadmap for how people grow socially and emotionally from childhood through adulthood.
Unlike many otherdevelopmental theories, Eriksons addresses changes that occur across the entire lifespan, from birth to death.
Erikson theorized that mastering these skills contributes to lifelong well-being.
How this stage plays out helps determine how people approach problems and cope with success or failure.
Industry refers to hard work.
Someone who is industrious, for example, works at developing and mastering their skills to achieve something.
During stage four, a child is learning various emotional and social skills.
In order for a child to feel industrious, they need to feel that they are capable and competent.
As the school years begin, the realm of social influence increases dramatically.
Kids are no longer hanging out primarily with parents and other family members.
They’re increasingly involved in sports, friend groups, classrooms, teams, and other social events.
They are also expected to cooperate, collaborate, listen, compete, and share.
Friends and classmates play a role in how children progress through the industry versus inferiority stage.
Their social interactions with peers also help kids see how they compare.
They may note that they are better than their friends or classmates at some things.
They might also discover that their talents are highly prized by others, which can lead tofeelings of confidence.
By feeling competent and capable, children are able to also form a strongself-concept.
Once school begins, actual performance and skill are evaluated.
Grades and feedback from educators encourage kids to pay more attention to the actual quality of their work.
Kids also become more capable of performing complex tasks.
Not getting encouragement from parents, teachers, or peers will lead todoubt in their abilities.
Children who struggle to develop this sense of competence may emerge from this stage with feelings offailureand inferiority.
This can set the stage for later problems in development.
When a child is supported during this stage, they develop a greater sense ofself-esteem.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
However, adults should be careful not to equate achievement with acceptance and love.
Remember, humans are adaptable.
Issawi S, Dauphin VB.Industry versus inferiority.
In: Zeigler-Hill V, Shackelford TK, eds.Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences.
Development During Middle Childhood: The Years From Six to Twelve.
2017;26(3):107-109. doi:10.1891/1058-1243.26.3.107
