Sociocultural Theory Case Study

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Recommended: Role of culture in social behavior

The sociocultural theory explains the effect of cultural beliefs and attitudes has on the learning process (Behizadeh, 2014). Through this theory, one can understand the role that the difference in culture between the nation of birth of Alex and that of his current home affects the process of social interaction.
Here, the role of culture in shaping Alex’s adaptation to the new society and its role in the perception of the professionals and his adoptive parents is evident. The fact that the child is from a different nationality means that the culture of these two nations is different. The theory helps in understanding the role of the daily routine that the child is attuned to has on his current behavior. In this case, Alex is used to an individualistic …show more content…

It then becomes clear that there is a difference in culture, the environment and mode of instruction, and the understanding of social commitment. All these are new to the child.
The cases of international adoption and the subsequent challenges that the adopted children face have been well researched. One study by Hawk & McCall (2010) focuses on international adoption of post-institutionalized children. The research was aimed at understanding the relationship between the age of adoption and the severity of behavior problems. This was an attempt to understand the critical age of children which is most vulnerable to the development of behavior problems following adoption.
The method was basically a review of eighteen different other research materials. The research finding was that the age of the child during adoption is the major factor that contributes to behavior problems (Hawk & McCall, 2010). The research then concludes that the most vulnerable age during adoption to behavior difficulties is between 6 to 18 months. The problem of externalizing then begin to develop from the age of …show more content…

Making sustained follow-ups into the child’s progress is crucial. Social responsibility can be enhanced by involving the child in social participations such as religious and communal activities. To establish emotional well-being, the child will be involved in normal activities such as recreation.
The case study presents relevant issues that are facing international adoption today. Child care and support throughout a childs life is important in imparting their behavior. To help internationally adopted children cope with change in culture, counseling is crucial. Psychologists will work to ensure that the client benefits and uphold the rights and dignity of the client. There are set guidelines for psychologists to follow and these are outlined in the APA Code of Ethics. There is plenty of research in the area of international adoption that can help develop an action plan.
The case allows us to appreciate the role that the difference in culture plays in influencing communal living for people of different racial or ethnic origins. The psychosocial theories allow us to understand that deprivation of care and emotional support early in the life of a child is manifested in antisocial and aggressive behaviors. Sociocultural theories explain the role of cultural diversity in social conflicts. These are issues that the society is battling with today regarding

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