Klaus riegel: DIMENSENSIONS OF DEVELOPMENT BY: MACKENZIE + GABRIELLE

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

WHO IS KLAUS RIEGEL? -Born in Berlin in 1925 -Switched interests often (maintenance mechanic, pursued studies in math and physics) -Left Germany to get Masters Degree in America at the university of Minnesota

MORE INFO! -Went back to Germany and then back to America -Researched tons and published article in the Human Development Journal -Began to take an interest in social development theories

MORE INFO! -Interested in Methodology, took it a further in his approach -Became a write for the Human Development Journal allowing him to share ideas with readers -Klaus Riegel’s Interpretation of Development or Dimensions of Development theory became accessible to English readers in 1968

KEY ELEMENTS OF THEORY

HIS THEORY CAN BE DESCRIBED AS: “Development in adulthood occurs not in predictable stages but as individuals adjust in response to the interaction of both internal and external changes” Theory is reflective to systems theory Takes into account an internal biological clock and forever changing social clock

4 Interrelated Stages of Development

1. The Individual Psychological Dimensions

2. The Individual Biological Dimensions

3. The Cultural-Sociological Dimensions

4. The Environmental Dimensions

Why is this important?

Klaus’ theory explains that the pace an adult develops reflects the changing social clock. In other words, if an individual is emotionally ready for marriage, than they will get married, if they are old enough according to their culture. He suggests that development does not happen in predictable stages. This means that everyone matures at different times in ones life. Some people could mature faster in some areas than others.

Some events in an individual’s life may lead them to develop faster or slower. Adulthood most determined by social clock since adults are expected to control sexual & reproductive behaviour within social constraints Social clock has slowed (e.g. leaving home at later age)

Bolded Terminology

Development: a process in which something passes by degrees to a different stage (especially a more advanced or mature stage Social Clock: An imaginary clock that sets timetable for societal expectations re: when certain events should occur in people’s lives. Financially independent: A stage in which you stop depending on your parents for money and start supporting your self. Usually to be financially independent you would be living on your own.

Internal Changes: Internal changes are changes that happen on the inside when you grow up. It could be changing your maturity level. External changes: External changes are changes that are physical. It could be from going through puberty, which is a stage in ones life.

The End 