Socioemotional Development in Cultural Context

Chen (psychology, U. of Pennsylvania) and Rubin (human development, U. of Maryland) unite international contributors to examine children's socioemotional development beyond Western and North American contexts. The book begins by outlining theoretical perspectives on the role of culture in parent-child relationships, peer relationships, and socioemotional development, then explores the role of parental beliefs and socialization practices, with material on cultural differences in expectations for emotional regulation. The role of culture in specific socioemotional areas, such as social behavior and ethnic and racial identity, is also investigated. In the final section of the book, contributors deal with cultural interpretations of normal and abnormal behavior, spotlighting areas such as children's aggression and psychosocial functioning in the context of rapid social, economic, and political change. The book's broad audience includes graduate students, psychologists, and others who work with children from different cultural backgrounds. Annotation c2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)