Social Development

Social Development provides a comprehensive introduction to the multiple factors that shape a child’s behavior, interaction with others, feelings about themselves, and how and why behaviors change over time. Delving into the biological, cognitive, and perceptual aspects of development and their influence on behavior, socialization, and self-image, this text also recognizes the significance of cultural and societal distinctions by emphasizing the value of context and identifying cultural variation’s role in social development. Special pedagogical features in each chapter enhance the learning experience and promote student understanding: counter-intuitive examples cases challenge reader assumptions, coverage of extreme cases tell the story behind historical advancements, and profiles of current leaders in the field highlight the many paths to a career in social development. With a focus on real-world application, coupled with coverage of cutting-edge methodologies and the latest research findings, this book gives students a strong, highly relevant foundation in core concepts and practices central to the study of social development.

Preface xix Part I Theories, Themes, and Tools for Discovery 1 Introduction: Theories of Social Development 1 2 Research Methods: Tools for Discovery 43 Part II Early Tasks of Social Development 3 Biological Foundations: Roots in Neurons and Genes 85 4 Attachment: Forming Close Relationships 127 5 Emotions: Thoughts about Feelings 165 6 Self and Other: Getting to Know Me, Getting to Know You 206 Part III Contexts of Social Development 7 Family: Early and Enduring Influences 248 8 Peers: A World of Their Own 297 9 Schools, Mentors, and Media: Connections with Society 345 Part IV Processes and Products of Social Development 10 Sex and Gender: Vive La Différence? 388 11 Morality: Knowing Right, Doing Good 432 12 Aggression: Insult and Injury 476 Part V Policy and Prospects 13 Policy: Improving Children's Lives 519 14 Overarching Themes: Integrating Social Development 560 Glossary 575 Author Index 587 Subject Index 609