The result of extensive scholarship and consultation with leading scholars, this classic text introduces students to twenty-four theorists and compares and contrasts their theories on how we develop as individuals. Emphasizing the theories that build upon the developmental tradition established by Rousseau, this text also covers theories in the environmental/learning tradition.

New to this Edition:

• Research and citations have been updated throughout.
• Expansion of the chapter on ethology, reflecting the author's growing conviction that the study of animal behavior casts considerable light on human development.
• Several chapters give greater attention to children’s play. In addition, the chapter on Vygotsky adds a description of the popular, play-oriented Tools of the Mind education program, and the chapter on ethology concludes with a discussion of the question, "Is the young child’s urge to play innate?"
• Knowing that students want to discuss moral and philosophical issues as fully as possible, the 6th edition includes Kohlberg’s speculations about the possibility of a seventh stage of spiritual development.