Cognitive and sociocultural theories of literacy development are historically considered incommensurable in practice and in research. Cognitivists view literacy development as a succession of qualitatively varied skills whereas socioculturalists view literacy as socially and culturally embedded. Traditional educational discourses tend to reflect cognitivist perspectives, which risk creating and maintaining social inequities in our increasingly diverse society. The underpinnings and differences of these two theories are discussed. It is argued that integration of the theories is possible and desirable in educational practice and research in order to equalize the learning opportunities for all students.