What does Arnold Gesell's theory imply about child development?

Arnold Gesell’s theory emphasizes that child development is primarily a biologically-based maturational process. This perspective suggests that children's growth and development follow a specific, pre-determined sequence driven by genetic and biological factors. Gesell proposed that developmental milestones, such as walking, talking, and other skills, emerge in a consistent order that is generally the same across children, regardless of their environment or cultural influences. His work highlighted the idea that maturation unfolds in a natural progression influenced by internal biological processes rather than being significantly shaped by external training or environmental conditions. Thus, his theory underscores the importance of nature in child development, while not discounting the role of nurture entirely, but asserting that biological maturation is the foundational driver.