Cultures of Embeddedness

Many scholars have created and published theories on how the human self is created. In my academic experience, no theory explains this evolution of self nearly as coherently and logical as Robert Kegan’s theory. Kegan, a developmental psychologist, wrote The Evolving Self which provides a developmental framework from which we can understand human development and personal growth. This theory has particular relevance and value to persons involved with parenting of children.

Fundamental to this theory are the concepts of:
1. Confirmation (Holding) which supports the individual through the stage of recognition
2. Contradiction (Letting Go) which releases the individual at the appropriate time in order to facilitate differentiation and
3. Continuity (Staying Put) which provides the stability and commitment of support while the individual moves through new and unfamiliar stages of development.

Kegan also identifies 6 stages or selves that emerge as we evolve throughout our lifespan. He explains that the evolution of our self (or selves) occurs due to and because of a culture of “embeddedness”. A culture of embeddedness is the dynamic environment that we dwell in, or are embedded in, at various stages in our lives. This suggests that our identities or selves are influenced and formed by the very existence of both our internal and external environments and the dynamic interaction between them. For more information on Kegan’s theory, visit The Evolving Self

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