and provides a global and multicultural perspective by introducing the reader to contemporary and classical research.*Utilizes a cross-cultural perspective to provide opportunities to expand awareness and sensitivity to global similarities and differences in human development thereby reducing ethnocentric thinking. *Emphasizes cultural-ecological and developmental contextual models that recognize bi-directional or reciprocal influences of individuals and their surrounding environments. Particular attention is given to Bronfenbrenners ecological systems approach and Supers and Harkness developmental niche concept. *Discusses chronological-within-topics issues. Cross-cultural research is organized chronologically to demonstrate how behavioral processes evolve and change as individuals in a variety of cultures pass from infancy and childhood through adolescence and into adulthood and old age. *Opens each chapter with vignettes of two individuals from different geographical areas of the world who illustrate one or more of the behaviors described in the chapter. *Features recurring themes throughout each chapter, continually woven into the narrative, to provide a comprehensive and cohesive understanding of development. *Contains the most up-to-date examples of cross-cultural research findings. *Concludes each chapter with sections entitled "Things To Do and Think About" which consist of thought-provoking questions and simple projects to encourage readers to engage in active observation of developmental principles, frequently from a cross-cultural perspective. *Includes annotated recommendations for further reading. The books suggested are carefully selected for their ability to expand on topics covered in each chapter as well as for their interesting and often amusing writing style.

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