Making Human Beings Human: Bioecological Perspectives on Human Development (The SAGE Program on Applied Developmental Science)

"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."

-- Glen H. Elder Published On: 2004-03-08

"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."

-- John Eckenrode Published On: 2004-03-08

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. -- Evelyn Moore Published On: 2004-04-21

Urie Bronfenbrenner is the Jacob Gould Schurman Professor Emeritus of Human Development and Psychology at Cornell University.  He is best known as the founder and principal protagonist of his ground-breaking theory of the "Ecology of Human Development."  Bronfenbrenner is one of the founders of Head Start and the recipient of numerous distinguished awards including six honorary degrees, three from European universities.  He was the first recipient of the American Psychological Association′s annual Bronfenbrenner Award for Lifetime Contribution to Developmental Psychology in the Service of Science and Society.  He has taught, lectured, consulted, and carried out research in the United States and all over the world, mainly in both Eastern and Western Europe, Japan, and Australia.  His publications have been extensive and far-reaching .  Urie Bronfenbrenner is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, American Psychological Society, American Psychological Association, Society for Research in Child Development, National Academy of Education, and the International Society for the Study of Behavioral Development.  Bronfenbrenner received his Bachelor′s degree in Psychology and Music from Cornell University, his Master′s Degree from Harvard University, and his Doctorate from the University of Michigan.  After service in the Armed Forces and a brief period at the University of Michigan, he returned to Cornell University for a long productive life of research and teaching, as well as assisting with the raising of his six children.  Since his retirement in 1987, he has continued to research, to write, to teach, and to travel extensively.