According to Vygotsky's theory, how does culture affect child development?

Vygotsky's theory emphasizes the integral role that culture plays in cognitive development. He proposed that social interaction and cultural tools significantly influence how children learn and develop thought processes. In particular, Vygotsky argued that cognitive development cannot be understood without considering the social context in which it occurs.

Children inherit their culture and its associated symbols, language, and practices, which shape their cognitive processes and learning experiences. For instance, through guided interactions with more knowledgeable individuals, such as parents or teachers, children learn to think and solve problems in ways that are culturally relevant. This scaffolding, facilitated by cultural tools (like language and educational methods), allows children to achieve higher levels of understanding and competence than they would independently.

The other options do not align with Vygotsky's perspective, as he posited that culture is fundamental to cognitive development from an early age, rather than being irrelevant or only significant in later years.