Which developmental theory emphasizes struggles between the self and society?

Erikson's psychosocial development is the correct choice as it focuses on the conflicts and struggles that individuals face throughout their lifespan, particularly in relation to societal expectations and norms. Erikson proposed eight stages of development, each characterized by a central psychosocial conflict that individuals must navigate. These conflicts often involve the individual's relationship with their social environment and the pressures it imposes, highlighting the dynamic between the self and society.

For instance, in early stages, a child might confront the challenge of trust versus mistrust, influenced by their primary caregivers and society's stability. As they progress through life, they face various challenges such as identity versus role confusion during adolescence, where societal influences play a critical role in shaping one’s identity. This framework effectively illustrates how interpersonal relationships and social contexts inform personal development, underlining the intrinsic struggles between individual needs and societal demands.

In contrast, Freud's psychosexual stages focus primarily on internal conflicts stemming from instincts and drives rather than social dynamics. Bandura's social learning theory emphasizes observational learning and the influence of role models, without a specific focus on developmental struggles. Pavlov's classical conditioning deals with associative learning through conditioned stimuli and responses, not developmental conflicts. Therefore, Erikson's theory provides the most relevant perspective on the struggles