Recent Theories of Human Development

R. Murray Thomas

The task of explaining how and why people develop as they do is a never-ending puzzle which, over the centuries, has invited the attention of philosophers, theologians, scientists, essayists, and many others. Recent Theories of Human Development samples of some of the more prominent theories that have appeared during the last two decades of the twentieth century. The purpose is not only to illustrate trends in the form and content of theories that rose to prominence over the period 1980-2000, but also to inspect a number of ways that the concept theory itself was interpreted within that period.

R. Murray Thomas examines recent development theories that have evolved from a variety of perspectives such as psychobiology and sociobiology, connectionism, environmental and ecological points of view, postcolonialism, poverty, multiculturalism, feminism, and sexual orientation.

Recent Theories of Human Development is a unique compendium of recént theories in one brief volume. Intended as supplemental reading for courses on theories of development, this book will augment traditional core texts, It will be of interest to readers in psychology, child development, human development, family studies, education and social work.