Download Developmental Stages and Influence of Dress in Childhood and Adolescence - Prof. Linda Art and more Study notes Production and Operations Management in PDF only on Docsity! 1 Chapter 8 Dress from Infancy to Adolescence As we age… Changes in life shape the roles we take on in society Important developments occur Physical Knowledge Social These stages influence needs for dress and our involvement in appearance Childhood Major developmental stages Infancy Birth to six months Toddler 6 mo. To 2 yrs Early Childhood 2-6 yrs Middle Childhood 6-10 yrs 2 Physical Coordination Infants Constantly moving Clothing should not be binding Toddler Begin to crawl and then walk Clothing should not impede these activities Clothing begins to become more important at this stage Diapers to training pants A big step in developing a feeling of independence Early childhood Activity increases Fit, flexibility and comfort continue to be crucial Durability and safety Dressing skills begin to develop Clothing with big buttons, zippers, etc. help aid in child development 5 Gender is expressed through dress Parents/Guardians invest in gender through gender specific clothing Around the age of four, boys especially become increasingly sensitive to teasing Some parents are disturbed to see children cross dress NO evidence that cross dressing as a child leads to homosexuality or transvestism Appearance Concerns Link of social awards to appropriate dress are established early in life Children are very susceptible to images Research finds children as young as four concerned with weight, mimic dieting and restrict food intake By age 9 – Independent purchasers become socialized to shopping skills Children are becoming a major target market Children's clothing too adult looking Some say, sexuality overemphasized at an early age. 6 Are children growing up too fast? Do children's appearances reflect more maturity than they can handle at that young age? Adolescence Early adolescence 11-14 years - girls 12-15 years – boys Late adolescence 15 or 16 - 20 years Physical Changes Height Complexion A wide variety of products Concerns with sexual attractiveness and defining sexuality Want looks that aren’t too childish Conflicts with parents arise Media, certain peers groups encourage sextualy attractive dress 7 Body satisfaction increases in late adolescence Maturity Dangers of sports achievement Dangers of the “cultural ideal” Cognitive and Socioemotional Development Everybody notices every little thing about me Over interpretation and over imagine reviews from others Adolescents who have appearance impairments or are overweight truly suffer during this time High school students believe that the most popular students are attractive and well dressed (Creekmore, 1980) Teens use dress as a means of belonging Searching for an identity Conformity through appearance is strongest during this stage Many try on identities
