Human Development in the Twenty-First Century: Visionary Ideas from Systems Scientists

Description

How do human beings develop and function in relation to the human and natural world? The science of dynamic systems focuses on connections and relationships between people rather than on individual actions alone. This 2007 collection of engaging, non-technical essays, written by dynamic systems scientists in psychology, biology, anthropology, education, and sociology, challenges us to consider novel ways to enhance human development worldwide in the face of poverty, violence, neglect, disease and crises in our families. Focusing specifically on how to think about interventions and policies that will benefit human development from a systems perspective, this book brings research into the realm of application and policy. The authors use real-life examples to propose changes in clinical, educational and policy-making practices that will be of interest to professionals and practitioners alike.

Alan Fogel is Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychology at the University of Utah. He has written and edited many books including Change Processes in Relationships: A Relational-Historical Research Approach (Cambridge, 2006). Barbara J. King is Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the College of William & Mary. She is the Editor of the Journal of Developmental Processes. Stuart G. Shanker is Distinguished Research Professor of Philosophy and Psychology at York University, Toronto where he is also President of the Council for Early Child Development and Director of the Milton and Ethel Harris Research Initiative.