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... in humans tend to follow a particular trend. This assumption is reflected in Erikson's socioemotional theory, as evidenced by him systematically laying down definite psychosocial stages of development, which are inextricably linked to specific age periods in a lifespan (Santrock, 2003). Consequently, development follows a predictable pattern. For example, his second stage occurs in early childhood, from approximately age 2 - 4, and ties in with the natural physical progression during that period. Erikson posited that human development involved the resolution (in a positive or negative sense) of a crisis (AKA a turning point) in different stages and ages (Hergenhahn, 1994). For example, in the above stage, the polarities to be resolved were autonomy versus shame and doubt, the positive synthesis of which would be will-power (Louw, van Ede & Louw, 1999). Turning now to South Africa, the structure of this society, in the author's belief, has been in a state ...