If an infant or young toddler is not usually exposed to people out side of the household (say they live in a rural area) for a year or two, and the child doesn't have siblings, will there be social impairment later in life?
There probably will be a difficulty to interact with strangers and he may not be cautious enough around them. Another thing is that he might be less inclined to make himself the center of attention on purpose. I just imagine he'd be more reserved and introverted as he would never have gotten used to showing off to other kids. He might be a bit older than his age due to having only interaction with most likely adults.
I don't think it would have that much effect later on; definitely not for an infant. Toddlers are typically focused on themselves anyway. After all, look at first born kids who lived in small towns or farms - they're not all or even typically reclusive, socially awkward, or anti-social when they grow up.
If there is normal parent child interaction, not seeing other infants and toddlers wouldn't have much impact for a child two and under. It isn't until 18-24 months that toddlers interact much with other kids except to get mad if one takes a toy the toddler wants. Social development of one yr olds
It would depend on the character and what happens afterwards. If the child was only home schooled and their isolation continued then it might cause issues.
For the first couple of years, as long as the child receives adequate interaction from the parents, it shouldn't make any difference. You are correct in assuming that what happens during this time period has huge effects on a child's emotional development and long-term well being. But at this stage, what is paramount is that the child feels secure attachments, and knows that he or she is cared for and can depend on the people with whom he or she interacts. All her physical needs must be met, and she needs to have mental stimulation from caregivers, but as far as seeing other toddlers, it's not all that important.
our baby lived in rural France for her first 16 months without seeing babies her own age. Since moving to nv and mixing with lots of toddlers she has blossomed. I saw plenty of children in rural France with total social anxiety but now due to Facebook tons of teens have it too.
