Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAn Overview of Sociocultural TheoryHistoryZone of Proximal DevelopmentVygotsky vs. PiagetApplicationsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
An Overview of Sociocultural Theory
History
Zone of Proximal Development
Vygotsky vs. Piaget
Applications
Frequently Asked Questions
Close
At some point, we’ve had the experience of learning something new from a knowledgeable mentor. Whether it was a parent teaching us how to ride a bike or a colleague guiding us through the process of using project management software, psychologists suggest that these experiences are pivotal to the developmental process.
At a GlanceSociocultural theory is all about the societal and cultural influences that affect how we develop, think, feel, and behave. This approach seeks to understand how these societal factors interact with individual ones to influence how people learn, develop, and grow. The theory is rooted in the work of a Russian psychologist, Lev Vygotsky, who introduced key concepts such as the zone of proximal development. Keep reading to learn more about the origins of sociocultural theory, important aspects of this approach, and how Vygotsky’s work differed from his contemporaries.
At a Glance
Sociocultural theory is all about the societal and cultural influences that affect how we develop, think, feel, and behave. This approach seeks to understand how these societal factors interact with individual ones to influence how people learn, develop, and grow. The theory is rooted in the work of a Russian psychologist, Lev Vygotsky, who introduced key concepts such as the zone of proximal development. Keep reading to learn more about the origins of sociocultural theory, important aspects of this approach, and how Vygotsky’s work differed from his contemporaries.
PsychologistLev Vygotskybelieved that parents, caregivers, peers, and the culture at large are responsible for developing the brain’shigher-order functions. According to Vygotsky, human development relies on social interaction and, therefore, can differ among cultures.
Sociocultural theory stresses the role that social interaction plays inpsychological development. It suggests that human learning is largely a social process, and that our cognitive functions are formed based on our interactions with those around us who are “more skilled.”
Sociocultural theory focuses on how mentors and peers influence individual learning, but also on how cultural beliefs andattitudesaffect how learning takes place.
History of Sociocultural Theory
Sociocultural theory grew from the work of psychologist Lev Vygotsky, who believed that parents, caregivers, peers, and the culture at large are responsible for developing higher-order functions. According to Vygotsky, learning is based on interacting with other people. Once this has occurred, the information is then integrated on the individual level.
Vygotsky contended that children are born with basic biological constraints on their minds. Each culture, however, provides “tools of intellectual adaptation.” These tools allow children to use their abilities in a way that is adaptive to the culture in which they live.
For example, one culture might emphasizememory strategiessuch as note-taking. Another might use tools like reminders or rote memorization (a technique that uses repetition). These nuances influence how a child learns, providing the “tools” that are appropriate to their culture.
The Growth of Vygotsky’s InfluenceVygotsky, born in 1896, was a contemporary of other great thinkers such asFreud,Skinner, andPiaget, but his early death at age 37 and the suppression of his work in Stalinist Russia initially left his theories less well-known.As his work has become more widely published, his ideas have grown increasingly influential in areas including child development,cognitive psychology, and education.
The Growth of Vygotsky’s Influence
Vygotsky, born in 1896, was a contemporary of other great thinkers such asFreud,Skinner, andPiaget, but his early death at age 37 and the suppression of his work in Stalinist Russia initially left his theories less well-known.As his work has become more widely published, his ideas have grown increasingly influential in areas including child development,cognitive psychology, and education.
The Zone of Proximal Development
Essentially, it includes all of the knowledge and skills that a person cannot yet understand or perform independently but can learn with guidance.
How does this idea translate into real-world learning? Fortunately, experts and researchers suggest that learning under the guidance of more knowledgeable others can be beneficial. For example, research suggests that learning in the zone of proximal development can help increase skills and knowledge.
Other research has shown that teaching students in their zone of proximal development can be particularly important if they work in challenging environments and perform complex tasks.
7 Main Developmental Theories
Vygotsky vs. Piaget: Key Differences
Jean Piagetwas a psychologist and genetic epistemologist known for his theory of cognitive development, which outlines the four stages in which children learn. Since they are both theories of learning, Vygotsky’s theory is often compared to Piaget’s.
Vygotsky’s TheorySocial factors influence developmentDevelopment can differ between culturesPiaget’s TheoryChildhood interactions and explorations influence developmentDevelopment is largely universal
Vygotsky’s TheorySocial factors influence developmentDevelopment can differ between cultures
Social factors influence development
Development can differ between cultures
Piaget’s TheoryChildhood interactions and explorations influence developmentDevelopment is largely universal
Childhood interactions and explorations influence development
Development is largely universal
How does Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory differ from Piaget’stheory of cognitive development? First, while Piaget’s theory stressed that a child’s interactions and explorations impact development, Vygotsky asserted the essential role that social interactions play.
Another important difference between the two is that Piaget’s theory suggests that development is largely universal and Vygotsky asserts that it can differ between cultures.The course of development in European culture, for example, might be different than in Asian culture.
Because cultures can vary so dramatically, Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory suggests that both the course and content of intellectual development are not as universal as Piaget believed.
Some suggest that these twotheories of human developmentdiffer greatly due to their founders' different upbringings and that Vygotsky had strong cultural ties while Piaget had a lonely childhood.
Support and Criticisms of Piaget’s Stage Theory
Applying Vygotsky’s Theory
Sociocultural theory has gained popularity within certain settings and not just among researchers and theorists. Here’s how this theory can be implemented in the real world in ways that can benefit learners.
In the Classroom
Understanding the zone of proximal development can be helpful for teachers.In classroom settings, teachers may first assess students to determine their current skill level. Educators can then offer instruction that stretches the limits of each child’s capabilities.
At first, the student may need assistance from an adult or a more knowledgeable peer. Eventually, their zone of proximal development will expand.
In Socialization and Play
Vygotsky’s theory also stressed the importance of play in learning.Vygotsky believed that through playing and imagining, children can further stretch their conceptual abilities and knowledge of the world.
In play, the child is always above his average age, above his daily behavior; play contains all developmental tendencies in a condensed form.—LEV VYGOTSKY, FROM “PLAY AND ITS ROLE IN THE MENTAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHILD”
In play, the child is always above his average age, above his daily behavior; play contains all developmental tendencies in a condensed form.
—LEV VYGOTSKY, FROM “PLAY AND ITS ROLE IN THE MENTAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHILD”
Takeaways
Although Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory only gained credence after his death, research has helped validate the role that those around us play in shaping how we develop as individuals.
Even though not everyone agrees as to the specifics of this development, as outlined in Piaget vs. Vygotsky, the sociocultural perspective does contribute to this understanding. It has also influenced other modern theories of human development, such as those that relate to cognitive growthand education.
The sociocultural perspective reinforces the role that people in mentor-like positions play in shaping who we become. This includes not just parents and teachers but also community leaders and others we model ourselves after.If you are in one of these positions, it’s important to recognize that you are shaping the development of the children around you. Because sociocultural theory also stresses the importance that culture plays in the process, this can help us better understand how our traditions and customs can influence future generations.
The sociocultural perspective reinforces the role that people in mentor-like positions play in shaping who we become. This includes not just parents and teachers but also community leaders and others we model ourselves after.
If you are in one of these positions, it’s important to recognize that you are shaping the development of the children around you. Because sociocultural theory also stresses the importance that culture plays in the process, this can help us better understand how our traditions and customs can influence future generations.
Sociocultural theory explains learning as a social practice while cognitive theory considers learning on a more individual level. With cognitive theory, learning is dependent on a person’s mental processes. Thus, it is more focused on how the human mind works versus the impact that society plays in development.Learn More:Cognitive Theory Basics
Sociocultural theory explains learning as a social practice while cognitive theory considers learning on a more individual level. With cognitive theory, learning is dependent on a person’s mental processes. Thus, it is more focused on how the human mind works versus the impact that society plays in development.
Learn More:Cognitive Theory Basics
15 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Eastern Illinois University.Evolutionary vs. sociocultural perspectives on human mate selection: The role of women’s academic achievement on their need for financial stability.American Psychological Association.Sociocultural perspective.American Psychological Association.Tools of intellectual adaptation.Britannica.L. S. Vygotsky: Soviet psychologist.NYSED Office of Bilingual Education and World Language.The zone of proximal development: An affirmative perspective in teaching ELLs/MLLs.Meyerson BE, Haderxhanaj LT, Comer K, Zimet GD.Learning in the zone: toward workforce development of evidence-based public policy communication.BMC Public Health. 2018;18(1):700. doi:10.1186/s12889-018-5617-0Kantar LD, Ezzeddine S, Rizk U.Rethinking clinical instruction through the zone of proximal development.Nurse Educ Today. 2020;95:104595. doi:10.1016/j.nedt.2020.104595Vasileva O, Balyasnikova N.(Re)introducing Vygotsky’s thought: From historical overview to contemporary psychology.Front Psychol. 2019;10:1515. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01515Quinn H.Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky.IU South Bend Undergraduate Res J. 2019;19.Wass R, Golding C.Sharpening a tool for teaching: the zone of proximal development.Teaching Higher Ed. 2014;19(6):671-84. doi:10.1080/13562517.2014.901958Bredikyte M, Brandisauskiene A.Pretend play as the space for development of self-regulation: cultural-historical perspective.Front Psychol. 2023;14:1186512. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1186512Play and the learning environment. In: Gordon Biddle KA, Garcia-Nevarez A, Roundtree Henderson WJ, Valero-Kerrick A.Early Childhood Education: Becoming a Professional.Sage Publishing.Schilhab T, Esbensen GL.Socio-cultural influences on situated cognition in nature.Front Psychol. 2019;10:980. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00980Swain M, Kinnear P, Steinman L.Sociocultural theory in second language education: An introduction through narratives.Multilingual Matters. 2015. doi:10.21832/9781783093182Jumaat N, Tasir Z.Instructional scaffolding in online learning environment: a meta-analysis. 2014 International Conference on Teaching and Learning in Computing and Engineering.Additional ReadingVygotsky LS.Play and its role in the mental development of the child.International Research in Early Childhood Education. 2016;7(2):3-25.
15 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Eastern Illinois University.Evolutionary vs. sociocultural perspectives on human mate selection: The role of women’s academic achievement on their need for financial stability.American Psychological Association.Sociocultural perspective.American Psychological Association.Tools of intellectual adaptation.Britannica.L. S. Vygotsky: Soviet psychologist.NYSED Office of Bilingual Education and World Language.The zone of proximal development: An affirmative perspective in teaching ELLs/MLLs.Meyerson BE, Haderxhanaj LT, Comer K, Zimet GD.Learning in the zone: toward workforce development of evidence-based public policy communication.BMC Public Health. 2018;18(1):700. doi:10.1186/s12889-018-5617-0Kantar LD, Ezzeddine S, Rizk U.Rethinking clinical instruction through the zone of proximal development.Nurse Educ Today. 2020;95:104595. doi:10.1016/j.nedt.2020.104595Vasileva O, Balyasnikova N.(Re)introducing Vygotsky’s thought: From historical overview to contemporary psychology.Front Psychol. 2019;10:1515. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01515Quinn H.Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky.IU South Bend Undergraduate Res J. 2019;19.Wass R, Golding C.Sharpening a tool for teaching: the zone of proximal development.Teaching Higher Ed. 2014;19(6):671-84. doi:10.1080/13562517.2014.901958Bredikyte M, Brandisauskiene A.Pretend play as the space for development of self-regulation: cultural-historical perspective.Front Psychol. 2023;14:1186512. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1186512Play and the learning environment. In: Gordon Biddle KA, Garcia-Nevarez A, Roundtree Henderson WJ, Valero-Kerrick A.Early Childhood Education: Becoming a Professional.Sage Publishing.Schilhab T, Esbensen GL.Socio-cultural influences on situated cognition in nature.Front Psychol. 2019;10:980. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00980Swain M, Kinnear P, Steinman L.Sociocultural theory in second language education: An introduction through narratives.Multilingual Matters. 2015. doi:10.21832/9781783093182Jumaat N, Tasir Z.Instructional scaffolding in online learning environment: a meta-analysis. 2014 International Conference on Teaching and Learning in Computing and Engineering.Additional ReadingVygotsky LS.Play and its role in the mental development of the child.International Research in Early Childhood Education. 2016;7(2):3-25.
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Eastern Illinois University.Evolutionary vs. sociocultural perspectives on human mate selection: The role of women’s academic achievement on their need for financial stability.American Psychological Association.Sociocultural perspective.American Psychological Association.Tools of intellectual adaptation.Britannica.L. S. Vygotsky: Soviet psychologist.NYSED Office of Bilingual Education and World Language.The zone of proximal development: An affirmative perspective in teaching ELLs/MLLs.Meyerson BE, Haderxhanaj LT, Comer K, Zimet GD.Learning in the zone: toward workforce development of evidence-based public policy communication.BMC Public Health. 2018;18(1):700. doi:10.1186/s12889-018-5617-0Kantar LD, Ezzeddine S, Rizk U.Rethinking clinical instruction through the zone of proximal development.Nurse Educ Today. 2020;95:104595. doi:10.1016/j.nedt.2020.104595Vasileva O, Balyasnikova N.(Re)introducing Vygotsky’s thought: From historical overview to contemporary psychology.Front Psychol. 2019;10:1515. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01515Quinn H.Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky.IU South Bend Undergraduate Res J. 2019;19.Wass R, Golding C.Sharpening a tool for teaching: the zone of proximal development.Teaching Higher Ed. 2014;19(6):671-84. doi:10.1080/13562517.2014.901958Bredikyte M, Brandisauskiene A.Pretend play as the space for development of self-regulation: cultural-historical perspective.Front Psychol. 2023;14:1186512. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1186512Play and the learning environment. In: Gordon Biddle KA, Garcia-Nevarez A, Roundtree Henderson WJ, Valero-Kerrick A.Early Childhood Education: Becoming a Professional.Sage Publishing.Schilhab T, Esbensen GL.Socio-cultural influences on situated cognition in nature.Front Psychol. 2019;10:980. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00980Swain M, Kinnear P, Steinman L.Sociocultural theory in second language education: An introduction through narratives.Multilingual Matters. 2015. doi:10.21832/9781783093182Jumaat N, Tasir Z.Instructional scaffolding in online learning environment: a meta-analysis. 2014 International Conference on Teaching and Learning in Computing and Engineering.
Eastern Illinois University.Evolutionary vs. sociocultural perspectives on human mate selection: The role of women’s academic achievement on their need for financial stability.
American Psychological Association.Sociocultural perspective.
American Psychological Association.Tools of intellectual adaptation.
Britannica.L. S. Vygotsky: Soviet psychologist.
NYSED Office of Bilingual Education and World Language.The zone of proximal development: An affirmative perspective in teaching ELLs/MLLs.
Meyerson BE, Haderxhanaj LT, Comer K, Zimet GD.Learning in the zone: toward workforce development of evidence-based public policy communication.BMC Public Health. 2018;18(1):700. doi:10.1186/s12889-018-5617-0
Kantar LD, Ezzeddine S, Rizk U.Rethinking clinical instruction through the zone of proximal development.Nurse Educ Today. 2020;95:104595. doi:10.1016/j.nedt.2020.104595
Vasileva O, Balyasnikova N.(Re)introducing Vygotsky’s thought: From historical overview to contemporary psychology.Front Psychol. 2019;10:1515. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01515
Quinn H.Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky.IU South Bend Undergraduate Res J. 2019;19.
Wass R, Golding C.Sharpening a tool for teaching: the zone of proximal development.Teaching Higher Ed. 2014;19(6):671-84. doi:10.1080/13562517.2014.901958
Bredikyte M, Brandisauskiene A.Pretend play as the space for development of self-regulation: cultural-historical perspective.Front Psychol. 2023;14:1186512. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1186512
Play and the learning environment. In: Gordon Biddle KA, Garcia-Nevarez A, Roundtree Henderson WJ, Valero-Kerrick A.Early Childhood Education: Becoming a Professional.Sage Publishing.
Schilhab T, Esbensen GL.Socio-cultural influences on situated cognition in nature.Front Psychol. 2019;10:980. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00980
Swain M, Kinnear P, Steinman L.Sociocultural theory in second language education: An introduction through narratives.Multilingual Matters. 2015. doi:10.21832/9781783093182
Jumaat N, Tasir Z.Instructional scaffolding in online learning environment: a meta-analysis. 2014 International Conference on Teaching and Learning in Computing and Engineering.
Vygotsky LS.Play and its role in the mental development of the child.International Research in Early Childhood Education. 2016;7(2):3-25.
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