Ego occurs as a ‘process’ not a ‘thing’
In her stages of development, Loevinger puts it right, that ego occurs as a ‘process’ not a ‘thing’ and it in a child through self-encounter with the world as explained in conformist and self-protective stages. In conformist stage, a child becomes aware of its societal and group needs where they belong regardless of the controlling stereotypes and biases (Loevinger ). Such awareness helps a child to develop ego as the child adapts to cohesion in the society and group, evoking a sense of trust with the members. However, if the child is isolated socially, the ego developmental criteria, determined by behavioral expectations and social norms, are withdrawn. As a result, the child fails to learn values, traditions, and customs, which are passed to them through societal and group engagement as per demands by the conformist stage, hence affecting ego development.
The self-encounter stage is also paramount in terms of ego development in a child. At this stage, the development of rudimentary self-control occurs, which strengthens the child’s morality and makes it possible for the child to adapt to the rules of the unchanging world; In the event, this creates norms that specify how he is to act (Loevinger). Social isolation at this stage would mean, learning of societal values expected would not be realized. Since social interaction helps in building a child’s values in terms of behaving and interacting with others, the chance of developing an ego is disapproved. Therefore, the inception of physical maturation, appreciation of culture and aspirations, and personal values fail to cohere with a child. When such occurs, ego development also fails.