On the other hand, Bandura placed more emphasis as development being based on a balance between the environment and one's internally set goals. From this perspective, the individual mimics behaviors that lead to the achievement of certain goals, specifically engineering a more personal purpose to what is learned. Bandura can also be seen as contrasting the theories of Jean Piaget as well. Once again, the two place a huge role on the nature of social environments on learning and development. Still, there are clear differences. First, there are clearly issues in regards to when the stages of development actually occur. The two present different age ranges for the important stages. Then, there is the increased importance of the social group and the interactions that take place within it in regards to Bandura's theory. Piaget places more emphasis on the individual, where Bandura is more convinced that social interaction is the true catalyst for development.

In regards to the concept of abstract concepts. Piaget and Lev Vygostky also present some what different connotations. The two were both constructivists in regards to the foundation for their theories, suggesting that learning is conducted through assimilation of new stimuli into pre-conceived notions. The notion of abstract symbolism was important in both theories, as it helps serve as a model for the pathway of development. Still, there are major differences. Vygotsky tended to believe that learning occurs before development, and that mimicking their social history and cultural symbolism is what drives learning behaviors. Piaget on the other hand believed that...

This guidance is a constant structure for future learning from a social perspective. This is a good way of understanding how social interactions influence behavior. Yet, from a Marxist perspective, there are some clear conflicts. When an individual is surrounded by the most elite and educated in society that then facilitates a greater breadth of learning experiences. For those who have limited access to such elitist resource, this would then limit their ability to develop under stronger circumstances.
One of the oddest theories in contemporary psychology comes from Sigmund Freud. It is the notion of the Oedipal Complex and the crisis that occurs in the Phallic Stage of development. Essentially, the male child begins to feel intense feelings for his mother, the opposite sex parent. As a result, there is a conflict between the male child and the male father because the father is a competitor to that male child. This is an initial introduction into sexual competition to be seen in later adult years. Still, there are some critics of theory. There is no conclusive evidence of this process, considering the young age of the child in the Phallic stage. Additionally, there have been those who have stressed the taboo, and thus the revulsion, of any incestuous relationship, even at the earliest of ages.