Boyz n the Hood by Steve Nicolaides: A Movie Review

The phenomenon of human development can be accessed from several theoretical perspectives, one of which is Piagets theory. Offering four stages of development as the foundational milestones in gaining essential cognitive skills, Piagets approach outlines the following developmental points: the sensorimotor object permanence), preoperational ((egocentric), concrete operational (conversational), formal operational (abstract) ones (Santrock, 2019). In Boyz n the Hood, the formal operational stage is represented as the main character, who is a child transitioning to adolescence, is trying to grapple with the ideas of loyalty, vengeance, and ethics as abstract notions.

Incorporating a significant number of similarities to Piagets approach, the framework offered by Vygotsky requires viewing cognitive development as a monolithic process that should not be split into specific stages. Although social and individual levels of developing cognitive functions can be singled out in Vygotskys approach, the specified point of view is not the intended way of deploying Vygotskys paradigm (Santrock, 2019). In Boyz n the Hood, the fact that sociocognitive development is a fluent process is portrayed quite clearly as the leading character matures gradually, first based on interactions with Furious, and then by using the obtained knowledge to recognize the futility of vengeance.

Finally, Eriksons theory represents an important approach toward analyzing the developmental process in people. In the film, Tres evolution as a character meets the crucial characteristics of Eriksons psychosocial stage of Identity vs. Role Confusion, which is reasonable given the fact that Tre is a child transitioning to adolescence (Santrock, 2019). Specifically, Tre strives to meet the standards that his environment sets for him, as well as the values set by his brother, which creates a conflict due to the difference in the value systems. As a result, Tre finds himself in an identity crisis, being confused about the role that he must accept.

Concepts and Principles

Singling out a particular concept that Boyz n the Hood portrays particularly well, one should mention the Zone of Proximal Development as a central idea in Vygotskys theory. Implying the extent of information and skills that one can potentially learn by being exposed to ones environment, the Zone of Proximal Development suggests that there is a gap between what a child can learn independently and what one can only learn after being provided with guidance. In the movie, the specified notion is illustrated by showing that Tre can develop the prowess and skills needed to become a member of a gang, yet he needs the support of his brother and loved ones to make a conscious decision not to become a criminal: Either they dont know&dont show&or dont care about whats going on in the hood (Boyz n the Hood, 1991). Although Vygotskys interpretation of the Zone of Proximal Development is typically linked to cognitive skills, the movie also portrays how it can be applied to a moral dimension.

Conclusion

Understanding the importance of specific points in cognitive, behavioral, and socio-emotive development of an individual is central to improving the quality of their life and addressing relevant issues that may hamper their development, as Boyz n the Hood shows. Representing a complex stage of emotional maturity and transfer to adolescence, the movie portrays the personal growth of Tre Styles. Applying the theories of development offered by Vygotsky, Erikson, and Piaget will help to pinpoint the problem of emotional maturity and the ability to prioritize goals, as well as develop ethical norms and values that would guide one as an adult.