Are there critical periods for the development of social competency?

In order to answer the question “are there critical periods for the development of social competency?” one must first clearly define the key elements of the question. A critical period is defined as a time when a certain development must happen if it is to ever happen (Strassen Berger, 2006). In psychology the term is most often associated with language acquisition as the critical period hypothesis popularised by Lenneberg (1967) hypothesised that language learned outside the critical period for language learning would develop abnormally, never reaching a native level of fluency. However in more recent times this hypothesis has been disproved following studies of successful second language acquisition outside of what was thought to be the critical period for language learning. This has led to the concept of a critical period for development being replaced by the more open concept of a sensitive period; a time when a certain type of development is most likely to happen and happens most easily (Strassen Berger, 2006). In the interest of this essay the development of social competency will be analysed using the modern and more liberal definition of a sensitive period. In order to do this however, one must first make clear what is meant by social competency. Originally social competency was defined in terms of the skills necessary for socially competent functioning. This definition was put forward by Sarason (1981) who listed the dimensions essential for competent social functioning including, problem solving behaviour, perspective taking, and person perception. However this essay will focus on Foster and Ritchey's (1979) definition of social competency as the ability to be effective in the realisation of social goals. These goals include having friends, being liked and engaging in social interactions with peers. Therefore this essay will endeavour to investigate the question of whether or not there are sensitive periods in the development of the skills necessary to