The development of people in society is explained in a number of ways. Several theories have been put forth with regard to this and some of them include the traditional development theory and the relational-cultural theory. These theories seek to show how development in society occurs and how society plays a crucial role in determining social relationships. These theories may differ in approach but the bottom line is that the form a baseline for a better understanding of all kinds of human development and experiences.
There are major differences between these two theories. Relational cultural theory on one hand proposes a new way of understanding women and their development. The theory explains the psychological development of women and the interconnectedness that people have that fosters their relationship and how these connections are developed through mutual empathy as well as empowerment (Comstock & Qin 2005 a). The traditional developmental theory on the other hand embraces quite a number of blind spots that bring about bias with regard to gender roles and development in society. Prescribed norm hinders a child from reaching their optimum in development and therefore cultural forces are attributed to be the main shapers of a person (Comstock & Qin 2005, b). The difference comes in where the theories embrace a different approach to how people develop and become who they are because of societal relationships.
The use of relational- cultural theory serves as an eye opener to the potential that exists in the way relationships can be used to foster human development. The theory show the resulting effect of interconnectedness and the way connections help strengthen relationships and positive development of people in society (Comstock & Qin 2005 b). On the other hand, the theory is very helpful in understanding human experiences.
References
Comstock, D. L., & Qin, D. (2005a). Relational-cultural theory: A framework for relational development across the life span. In D. L. Comstock (Ed.), Diversity and Development: Critical Contexts That Shape Our Lives and Relationships (pp. 25-46). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning.Comstock, D. L. & Qin, D. (2005b). Traditional models of development: Appreciating context and relationship. In D. Comstock (Ed.), Diversity and Development: Critical Contexts That Shape Our Lives and Relationships (pp. 1-24). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning.
