Recent Theories of Human Development [Paperback]

Intended as supplemental reading in courses on theories of development, this book augments traditional core texts by providing students with more depth on about two dozen recent and emerging theories that have appeared over the past 20 years. This period has seen a decline of the traditional grand theories that attempt to apply to all people all the time in favor of micro theories that focus more on individual differences, so a book like this actually points the way toward the future rather than dryly reviewing the past. In addition, the author inspects the changing ways in which the concept of theory itself has been interpreted during this period, and he concludes with a chapter suggesting future directions.

Intended as supplemental reading in courses on theories of development, this book augments traditional core texts by providing students with more depth on about two dozen recent and emerging theories that have appeared over the past 20 years. This period has seen a decline of the traditional grand theories that attempt to apply to all people all the time in favor of micro theories that focus more on individual differences, so a book like this actually points the way toward the future rather than dryly reviewing the past. In addition, the author inspects the changing ways in which the concept of theory itself has been interpreted during this period, and he concludes with a chapter suggesting future directions.

Theory Trends
PART ONE: EXTENSIONS OF TRADITION
Psychobiology, Sociobiology
Connectionism and Dynamic Systems
Environmental/Ecological Theories
Beyond Piaget
Beyond Vygotsky
Models of Interaction
A Potpourri of Theories
PART TWO: PRODUCTS OF SOCIAL MOVEMENT
Growing Up in Poverty
Ethnic Minorities
Feminist Perspectives
Sexual Orientations
PART THREE: FINAL lÁ