Egocentrism in Norbert Elias’ theory of development

Abstract

This essay conceptualises the importance of children in Norbert Elias’ theory of development. This analytical axis has been barely developed in most of sociologic interpretations on Elias’ work. Studies like that of Vera Weiler have brought into focus the influence of development psychology in Elias’ work, particularly in Jean Piaget’s research. With this turn on Elias thought studies, the Geman sociologist’s contributions are placed beyond considering him as a state theoretician integrating sociogenesis and psychogenesis in the behavior aspect coming back to Freud. By incorporating Jean Piaget’s development psychology, the concept of psychogenesis gets broader son as to encompass both social development and social sciences understanding.

Keywords

• Piaget’s theory
• psychogenesis
• sociogenesis