Making Human Beings Human
Bioecological Perspectives on Human Development
- Urie Bronfenbrenner - Cornell University, USA
Because of the emphasis on social context within the bioecological theory (and Bronfenbrenner's role in shaping educational and public policies, for instance, as a co-founder of the Head Start program), the book has relevance across disciplines, including psychology, human ecology, human development and family studies, education, and public policy.
The book is rich in cultural and historical comparisons. The concepts of the bioecological model and the ecology of human development represent a unique contribution to the field of developmental psychology.
Features contributions and commentary by distinguished scholars: a Foreword by Richard M. Lerner of Tufts University and an Afterword by Stephen F. Hamilton and Stephen J. Ceci of Cornell University.
"Making Human Beings Human tells the remarkable scientific story of Urie Bronfenbrenner's journey toward 'a bioecology of human development'- a dynamic perspective of individuals in ever-changing, multi-level contexts. Building upon years of distinguished teaching and research at Cornell, the author skillfully weaves each part of his story together, highlighting the puzzles and fresh insights that enhance understanding. This is a marvelous book to read and cherish from one of our giants in the field of human development."
"This volume is a remarkable compilation of several critical writings of one of the most influential developmental psychologists of the 20th, and now 21st, century. Making Human Beings Human is an essential reader for all students of human development, whether they are undergraduates, graduate students, teachers, practitioners, or policy makers. . . . To read this book is to be a passenger on an exhilarating six-decade-long journey of discovery which, for those interested in the landscape of human development, is every bit as exciting as a Lewis and Clark expedition."
In his latest book, Dr. Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological theory of human development offers an important framework upon which to examine the effectiveness of our early childhood policies, programs, and practices on the lives of America’s children and families. In the unfolding of his theory, we find evidence that what, when, and how we do our work does make a critical difference in the developmental outcomes of young children and their families, especially those who are most vulnerable. As a result, we are honor bound to examine our own beliefs and practices in whatever field we find ourselves in the realm of human development work to ensure that our approaches respect and recognize the unlimited potential of all human beings and provide the resources and support that all families need to engage in healthy and productive lives.
For MA students this is a useful text for getting to grips with Brofenbrenner and his commitment to the ecological approach. It could be used to dip into for students who have some interest or are writing an essay/dissertation in this field.
A good introduction to the work of Bronfenbrenner - useful themes and discussions throughout
A text for those interested in the work of Bronfrenbrenner. Challenging read and for those studying at level 6-8.
Teaching child and adolescent development, instructed the students to consider Bronfenbrenner ecological model to apply in assessment. useful book, reasonable read, model good to use as critique against say piaget or vygotsky.
Interesting assertions, but 'off topic' for the course module
A fascinating set of perspectives through which to view human development. Trainee teachers can learn much from this collection of historical articles, charting the evolution of human developmental theories over time. Bronfenbrenner's system offers a unique viewpoint on what it is to be human, what socio-economic challenges we face and how we can overcome them, drawing on studies over seventy years.
This book gives a detailed explanation of the importance of Bronfenbrenner on human development.
