Consolidates knowledge on human development and its ecological contexts by highlighting the developmental stages of human beings at different stages of the life-span. Introduces the recent theories on human development that extend the classic theories on human development, social movements and their effects on human development. Emphasizes special features during the transitional periods from one stage to the next and the critical role that childhood plays in the later developmental stages. Discussions will also examine the ways in which different societies view human development and the issues pertaining to the culture and cognition of human development.