What is the fourth conflict in Erikson's theory and the age that it is presented?

The fourth conflict in Erikson's theory is Industry vs. Inferiority, which occurs during the developmental stage of 6 to 12 years. In this stage, children begin to develop a sense of competence and achievement as they engage in various tasks, whether it be academic, social, or in extracurricular activities. They are learning to work with others, set goals, and take pride in their accomplishments. Successfully navigating this stage leads to feelings of competence, while failure may result in feelings of inferiority and a lack of confidence in their abilities.

The understanding of this conflict is foundational in recognizing how early experiences influence self-esteem and motivation in children. When children are encouraged and praised for their efforts, they develop a strong sense of industry. Conversely, if they are criticized or fail to meet societal expectations, they may struggle with feelings of inferiority. This stage is pivotal as it lays the groundwork for the subsequent stages of development, where individuals will tackle issues of identity, intimacy, and ultimately integrity later in life.