Growth and Development – Characteristics, Definitions, and Differences
Growth:
Growth: Growth refers to the physical changes an individual undergoes, such as an increase in size, weight, or height.
It is quantitative, i.e., it can be measured.
The process can be experienced up to a certain period, up to maturation.
Definitions of Growth
According to Hurlock
” Growth is change in size, proportion, disappearance of old features and acquisitions of new ones.”
According to Crow and Croww (1962)
“Growth refers to structural and physiological changes”
Development:
Development: Development is a systematic process that includes physical changes as well as social, emotional, and cognitive changes.
Development is a lifelong process from the womb to the tomb.
It is both quantitative and qualitative.
It includes every aspect of life, human beings experience throughout their journey, from birth to death.
According to Hurlock
” Development is not confined to growth alone, but it is a systematic and “consistent” change involving a progressive sequence of changes towards the goal of adulthood, resulting in new features and abilities appearing.”
Difference between Growth and Development:
Growth | Development |
Growth refers to the physical changes i.e., height, shape, and size. | Development refers to systematic changes including physical, emotional, and cognitive. |
It is quantitative | it is both quantative and qualitataive |
It,s happen upto maturation | It is a a lifelong process from womb to the tomb. |
It is measurable | It is predictable |
Growth is not complex as development | It is a complex process |
Growth is not affected by learning and social factors | Development is affected by learning and other social factors |
Development is structural changes | Structural as well functional changes |
Changes can be multidimensional | Changes can be unidirectional |
Growth has no goal | Growth has some goal |
