GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Most people use the terms „growth‟ and „development‟ interchangeably and accept them as
synonymous. But in reality, the meanings of these two terms are different.

GROWTH: CONCEPT AND DEFINITION

Growth refers to physical increase in some quantity over time. It includes changes in terms of
height, weight, body proportions and general physical appearance.
In Encyclopedia Britannica, growth is defined as “an increase in size or the amount of an
entity”. It means growth involves all those structural and physiological changes that take place
within individual during the process of maturation. For example, growth of a child means the
increase in weight, height and different organs of the child’s body.
Hurlock has defined Growth as “change in size, in proportion, disappearance of old features
and acquisition of new ones”.
Growth refers to structural and physiological changes (Crow and Crow, 1962). Thus, growth
refers to an increase in physical size of whole or any of its part and can be measured.

DEVELOPMENT: CONCEPT AND DEFINITION

Development refers to the qualitative changes in the organism as whole. Development is a
continuous process through which physical, emotional and intellectual changes occur. It is a
wider and comprehensive term than growth. It is also possible without growth. Organism
undergoes in passing from an embryonic stage to maturity.”
In Encyclopedia Britannica is the term development defined as “the progressive change in size,
shape and function during the life of an organism by which its genetic potential are translated
into functioning adult system.” So, development includes all those psychological changes that
take in the functions and activities of different organs of an organism.
Development is continuous and gradual process (Skinner). According to Crow and Crow
(1965) development is concerned with growth as well as those changes in behavior which results
from environmental situation.”
Thus, development is a process of change in growth and capability over time due to function of
both maturation and interaction with the environment.

MEANING OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT:

The term ‘human development’ may be defined as an expansion of human capabilities, a

widening of choices, ‘an enhancement of freedom, and a fulfillment of human rights.

At the beginning, the notion of human development incorporates the need for income expansion.
However, income growth should consider expansion of human capabilities. Hence development
cannot be equated solely to income expansion.

Income is not the sum-total of human life. As income growth is essential, so are health,
education, physical environment, and freedom. Human development should embrace human
rights, socio-eco-politico freedoms. Based on the notion of human development. Human
Development Index (HDI) is constructed. It serves as a more humane measure of development
than a strictly .income-based benchmark of per capita GNP.

The first UNDP Human Development Report published in 1990 stated that: “The basic
objective of development is to create an enabling environment for people to enjoy long,
healthy and creative lives.” It also defined human development as “a process of enlarging
people’s choices”, “and strengthen human capabilities” in a way which enables them to lead
longer, healthier and fuller lives.

From this broad definition of human development, one gets an idea of three critical issues
involved in human development interpretation. These are: to lead a long and healthy life, to be
educated, and to enjoy a decent standard of living. Barring these three crucial parameters of
human development as a process enlarging people’s choices, there are additional choices that
include political freedoms; other guaranteed human rights, and various ingredients of self-
respect. One may conclude unhesistantly that the absence of these essential choices debars or
blocks many other opportunities that people should have in widening their choices. Human
development is thus a process of widening people’s choices as well as raising the level of well-
being achieved.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT.

GROWTH DEVELOPMENT

Growth refers to physiological changes. Development refers to overall changes in the

individual. It involves changes in an orderly
and coherent type towards the goal of maturity.

Changes in the quantitative aspect are termed Development changes in the quality along with
as growth. quantitative aspect.
 Growth does not continue throughout life. Development continues throughout life.

Growth stops after maturation Development is progressive

Growth occurs due to the multiplication of Development occurs due to both maturation
cells and interaction with the environment.

Growth is cellular Development is organizational

Growth is one of the part of the developmental Development is a wider and comprehensive
process term.

DIFFERENT MILESTONES IN HUMAN GROWTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

PROCESS.

Development milestones are things most children can do by a certain age. The period of time
between birth and adolescence is commonly divided into four growth stages: infancy,
childhood, juvenile and adolescence. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics;
website, every stage of development has certain milestones. At 1 month of age, for instance, a
baby hearing is fully mature, and infants of this stage often respond to loud sounds and familiar
voices. A cognitive milestone for a 1-year-old is being able to find missing objects after
watching someone hide them. Although every child does not stay within the same time frame in
development, parents should note delays in psychomotor development and bring them to the
attention of a pediatrician.
Infancy

A baby is considered an infant from birth through the first year of life. During this first year,
babies develop skills that will be lifelong resources. Pediatricians look for specific markers of
growth and development during this time. Learning how to control the head, move by crawling
and sit are called gross motor skills. Using the thumb and finger to pick up pieces of food and
hold a pacifier are called fine motor skills. Sensory skills are measured by observing a baby
ability to see, hear, taste, touch and smell. Language skills are evident the first year of life when
a baby makes sounds, learns some basic words and responds to the spoken word. Finally, social
skills include how a baby interacts with family and peers.

Childhood

After age 1 year, a child physical growth slows down considerably. The toddler years are more
mobile and exploratory. Middle childhood occurs about age 6 years, and children have a better
sense of right and wrong then. They also tend to become more independent as they begin
dressing themselves and spend more time at school and with friends. Cognitive changes include
rapid mental growth with a greater ability to talk situations through and focus on the
environment around them instead of being self-centered.

Juvenile

As children approach the ages of 9 and 10 years, they become more independent and might start
noticing the physical changes of puberty. A major growth spurt can occur at this time as the body
begins sexual development. This also can be a time of stress for children as peer pressure takes
its toll. Body image along with emotional changes often causes children to feel less confident.
Juveniles also start preparing for middle school by taking on more academic responsibilities and
focusing on goal-setting and accomplishment

Adolescence

From ages 12 to 18 years, children experience distinct mental and physical changes. According
to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the beginning of a girl menstrual cycle typically
occurs 2 years after the onset of puberty. The NIH reports that boys do not begin puberty with a
distinct marker and tend to mature with adult genitalia about age 16 or 17 years. During this time
of physical change, adolescents may become more self-centered. In middle to late adolescence,
teen-agers are often characterized as becoming more comfortable with their body sexually and
ready to have romantic friendships. Adolescent behavior often includes the teen-agers need to
pull away from parents and authority figures to establish their own self-identity and make
decisions on their own.

Adulthood

Adulthood is often noted when a person is considered chronologically, legally and behaviorally
ready to hold responsibilities such as operating a motor vehicle, voting, taking the vows of
marriage, entering into a contract and serving in the armed forces. The process of becoming
mature does not end with adolescence but continues throughout adulthood as psychological,
safety and self-actualization needs are met. Adulthood is often divided into three categories:
young adulthood, middle age and old age.